Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the urgent case of a 14-year-old child in Tipperary with severe additional needs and the absolute neglect he and his family are receiving at the hands of the HSE. Despite having severe needs, being an acute priority and requiring, at a minimum, weekly respite, the child has received just three hours of respite since last May and just one overnight stay. It is appalling. The children's disability network team, CDNT, and disability services are failing him. Respite services are practically non-existent and his need for shared residential care is being completely ignored, with the HSE saying that is the last resort. This family has reached a place of last resort. I salute the child's mum and dad. They are in crisis and they cannot be ignored any further. I have had an eight-page letter from the child's mother, which I have just handed to the Minister. I ask him, please, to act. It is an appalling situation.

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