Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It goes without saying that the axis of support for persons with disabilities is failing due to a lack of funding and prolonged periods of waiting for appointments. The lack of funding in the budget was one thing, but this proposed amendment causes further insult and takes responsibility away from the Government and its commitment to provide for, protect and care for the most vulnerable people in our society. The upcoming referendum seeks to replace Article 41.2 with Article 42B. At first glance, the new provision looks pretty but that is all it is it. It lacks substance or a foundation for protecting the person who needs protection most.

The ambiguity of the proposed wording calls for serious reflection. It provides that Governments will "strive to support". To me, this is simply an excuse to use in the future. I know the Minister has forgotten this, but there is a difference between striving for and doing. I, like others, believe in doing and this needs to be done right now. The Government's position on this is lacking, as shown by the two insults it calls progressive amendments. I hope the vote result is "No". I hope people realise what the Government is doing to distance itself from its responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in society. When it comes to election time, I hope people remember that and make sure we never again have people who treat the most vulnerable with such disrespect.

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