John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raised the following issue with the previous Taoiseach, Deputy Martin, last year. I refer to Geraldine Lavelle, who, as a result of a collision when out cycling nine years ago, suffered a spinal fracture that left her paralysed from the chest down. After her rehabilitation, Geraldine moved into a congregated setting where she thought she would be for a number of months to adjust to life with her injury. Nine years later, she has finally secured adapted social housing from Mayo County Council, which is nearing completion. Despite all of her efforts and determination, she faces a final hurdle with the HSE, which has decided, without explanation, to reduce the number of personal assistance hours Geraldine currently receives in her congregated setting, which is less than that required in the most-recent care plan. Despite repeated efforts by my colleague, Deputy McDonald, and Geraldine, the head of the HSE West disability services and the Minister for Health and the Minister responsible for disabilities have failed to engage with Geraldine. Will the Taoiseach intervene to ensure the Government's policy commitments on decongregation are being delivered?

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