Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleague Deputy Tully on all her work not only in introducing this motion but in general. She is our representative on disability matters and also sits on the Joint Committee on Autism.

In my two and a half minutes, I want to raise the issue of day services in the south east, particularly in Carlow-Kilkenny. I was recently contacted by parents who have been given notice that their day service now needs to start charging for some additional activities. There has also been an increase in transport costs. I see both sides of this argument. I have also met with management in some of the day services, which are struggling. It is like the voluntary contributions in schools; they do not want to have to charge for it. The parents of people in a day service are unsure when this will end.

The reason I take the opportunity to raise it because a number of parents were hoping to meet with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. We had a very successful meeting, possibly two years ago, about another issue in the south east that got resolved. I take the opportunity to ask the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, if she would be open to that. It would be a constructive meeting to try to find a resolution to the issue.

Sometimes I am not sure what more we can say about the lack of services for children with additional needs, whether it is the case that they are waiting on an assessment or a therapy. I also wish to briefly mention housing as that part of it sometimes falls through the cracks. People with disabilities have difficulty getting housing. Recently, I met two people who must carry their severely disabled 15-year old son up the stairs and they cannot seem to get allocated a bungalow.

Another issue I wish to briefly raise relates to a woman who was recently told by the HSE to go to Argos to buy a particular stroller for her son who needs a wheelchair. That is not acceptable. I am pleased to have an opportunity to raise some of these issues. The clock is ticking, and I want to give my colleagues time. I commend the motion.

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