Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I received a similar response from the HSE to the one Michael's mother received. It acknowledges that while a wheelchair might be considered essential by families, the resource allocation group has to make priority-based decisions. Wheelchairs are not just essential for families; they are essential for the lives and well-being of children. It is shocking that an appropriately sized wheelchair cannot be sourced for a child and no timeframe has been given for when it will be available.

I listened to the response from the HSE the Minister of State read out. What I take from it are the references to value for money, local budgets and timelines. We are talking about children with special needs, additional needs and disabilities. We are talking about health-based decisions to improve their quality of life. The Minister of State mentioned quality of life. Where is the quality of life for Michael and all the other children who are waiting for equipment? The Minister of State also mentioned assessments. Michael has a prescription. It has been prescribed that this child needs this equipment. Reference was made to budgets being under pressure. How can the Minister of State say in response to a child who needs a new wheelchair because he has grown that budgets are under pressure? Does he know who is under pressure? That child and his family are under pressure. Parents of children with disabilities have had to fight the State at every turn and corner for provision for their children. It is not good enough. Medical equipment should be given on the basis of need and health, not on the basis of local budgets being under pressure.

See this speech in context