Opposition parties in the Dáil are to support a motion calling for improved services and funding for children with disabilities. The motion is in support of Ardfinnan teenager Cara Darmody who is to begin a 50-hour protest outside the Dáil on Tuesday May 20th.
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein, says the combined opposition are demanding that the Government provide children with Assessments of need within six months as required by law. At present 15,296 children are overdue for an assessment which is essential to identify what therapies might be beneficial for the child. There are also delays in the provision of therapies and supports.
Ms Darmody has been an active campaigner for services for children with intellectual disabilities as her two younger brothers are autistic. The Dáil motion calls on the Government to establish a Fund to be known as Cara’s fund to ensure all children in need of an assessment can secure this within the mandated legal timeframe of 6 months. The Government previously set up a fund to pay for private assessments of need following lobbying by Ms Darmody. The motion also calls for a work force plan to train and recruit the necessary staff to provide the services.
