Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Health Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Statements

 

10:30 am

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That needs to be said. I have enough responsibilities as it is and enough to be blamed for, without taking that on.

Senator Moran referred to SNAs, special needs assistants. It is actually an issue for the trade unions and for the Department of Education and Skills. It is a serious issue for the unions and it is my view that SNAs can do far more, whether helping with speech and language and occupational therapy. They want to help because they like the people they care for.

Senator Quinn and I could be reading from the same hymn book. It is true that we are too paternalistic at times towards people with disabilities and we do not see the possibilities for them as opposed to their limitations. It is incredible what can be achieved if we only imagine what is possible. I agree entirely with Senator Quinn on this point. I refer to Senator Quinn's story about the young man removing the cabbage leaf. He obviously learned that from Senator Quinn because that is a marketing ploy. The Cabinet has approved a new employment strategy for people with disabilities. The previous strategy was somewhat limited because it did not take into account people who may have greater challenges. Senator Quinn and I are on the same page in this regard.

Senator Cullinane spoke about the fact that children in school do not have enough sports activities. We have more SNAs than ever. I am not certain we are deploying them well but we have more than ever because the need is greater than ever. Senator Byrne and others raised the issue that very young children with a disability cannot avail of the free preschool year. This is being worked on. Thankfully, it is not my responsibility but that of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Health. The Secretaries General of those Departments are considering a unified national policy.

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