Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to address the Taoiseach directly regarding the plight of those with special needs, their families and carers in Tipperary and across the country. Many of them feel forgotten and alone in coping with relentless pressure. We are all familiar with the infamous quote by Mahatma Gandhi, "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." In today's world, this greatness is calculated by recognising and hearing the pleas of the most vulnerable, especially those who struggle to have their voices heard. As a country, we have disregarded the voices of children and young adults with special needs. We have failed to hear the urgent pleas from their parents. We have glossed over the calls for additional support from their teachers.

A recent Sunday Independentarticle, aptly titled "Who cares?", summarised the report compiled by the special needs schools and parents group. The contents provided a harrowing glimpse into the lives of families living with a member who has special needs and included families who are struggling every day to cope.

These are families who are made to feel broken. Parents are relying on antidepressants to help them through the day. A mother says that she loves her son but pleads for support as she reluctantly admits that she is afraid of him. Mothers and fathers are neglecting their own healthcare as they cannot leave their children to go for treatment. Parents and families are crying out for help and begging for the support which they so clearly need but cannot get.

Reading this graphic report demonstrates the damaging impact that a lack of proper services is having in homes right across the country every single day. The report spelt out a catalogue of failures in the provision of basic and proper services to those who need them most. The HSE says that it is committed to prioritising the needs of children with special needs. It states that its vision is underpinned by the core values of care, compassion, trust and learning. If so, why are families of special needs children and young adults at breaking point? Where is the care and compassion?

In the context of this budget, we must come to their aid. They are desperate for help. These families shower love and attention on their special ones. They see their beauty and their unfulfilled potential. They become disillusioned and demoralised as they know that with better support structures and services; the quality of life for the child and care could be greatly enhanced.

I inform the Taoiseach that this is an issue of social justice. The workload and strain of home life means that parents are restricted, confined and are left on the margins of society. I therefore ask the Taoiseach to provide significant and substantial Government intervention in the forthcoming budget,

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