Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

This is a bizarre debate full of contradictions and contortions. Essentially, we are discussing a motion endorsed by the combined Opposition that, in its most simple terms, asks the Government to stop breaking the law. The Government states it will not oppose the motion but no, it will not actually stop breaking the law. Anyone who has interacted with disability services in Ireland will understand the contradictions. When it comes to disability in Ireland, it is Ireland at its best and at its worst. A Disability Act that guarantees children with disabilities the right to an assessment of need within six months is Ireland at its best. In the case of Governments that ignore that law, however, which are forced through the courts, found guilty, still ignore the law and, rather than upholding the right, come up with the ingenious solution to simply get rid of the right altogether, that is Ireland at its worst.

I have dealt with hundreds of families in Cavan and Monaghan where parents are fighting every day for their children with disabilities. I have seen the absolute love they have for their special children and the unquenchable love they get in return. I have seen communities rally around them and their demands for respite centres and a special school. I have seen workers in the sector going beyond the call of duty for those children. That is Ireland at its best. I have also seen, however, the heartache of those families who are literally begging anyone who will listen for the services that their children need. I have seen the teenagers who have not advanced to their full potential for no other reason than they were let down by the Government and were denied the services they needed when they needed them. I have stared at the formulaic, bureaucratic, frankly insulting responses from Monaghan and Cavan CDNTs that blandly state that an OT, speech and language, physiotherapy, psychological treatment or assessment of need that those children require is subject to a waiting list. They say sorry for the long wait but we expect an appointment some time in the next few years. It is Ireland at its worst.

It is Ireland's disability services under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, propped up by the lackey Independents who are all too happy to blame the HSE rather than the Government they support.

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