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The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Wednesday (July 8) calling for the right of every adult with an intellectual disability to live as independently as possible, with the supports they need, in their own community. Liam Quaide TD, the party’s disability spokesperson, said: “Our motion is informed by the testimony of disabled […]

Reported home care restrictions being considered by the HSE could leave many disabled and older people unable to live safely at home, Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide has warned. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The proposed restrictions on home care supports in Dublin South City and West, Dublin South West […]

At least 24 per cent of children with disabilities in State accommodation are living more than 50km from their home – a situation that amounts to a form of enforced separation from family and community life, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability, said: “The figures […]

The HSE’s new autism protocol must not be a substitute for proper investment in a broken system, according to Social Democrats spokesperson for mental health and disability Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “The new HSE Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol contains some positive elements. “A clearer assessment pathway for autism has been long needed. […]

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has renewed his call on the Government to commit to the introduction of a permanent cost of disability payment in the next budget. Speaking ahead of today’s Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit, Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “It is now time for […]

The quiet phasing-out of early intervention classes for autistic children is being presented by Government as inclusion, when in reality it amounts to an essential provision being scaled back to meet shortages elsewhere, according to Social Democrats disability spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “I received a parliamentary reply which shows that the Department of […]

The extraordinary fragmentation of disability service delivery in the State is making it impossible to guarantee equity, plan services properly, or ensure public money is being used in the most effective way, according to Social Democrats disability spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who was commenting after receiving a parliamentary reply showing that the HSE has […]

Social Democrats social protection spokesperson Eoin Hayes has written to the Tánaiste, urging him to include an emergency payment for people with disabilities in the package of cost-of-living measures that will be announced by the government tomorrow. Deputy Hayes said: “As the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran and Lebanon continue, surging gas and oil […]

The government’s proposed changes to the Assessment of Need (AON) process — currently going through pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas — is essentially cover for years of service development failure, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on disability and mental health, said: “Pre-legislative scrutiny with service providers, […]

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has criticised the Minister for Social Protection’s refusal today to withdraw insulting remarks he made during a recent Dáil debate on poverty levels being experienced by disabled people. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “Minister Dara Calleary claims he is engaging with Disabled Persons’ Organisations […]