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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 Government’s new suicide and self-harm strategy sets out important recommendations, but they must be backed by real action on poverty, homelessness and social exclusion, as well as a serious plan to staff mental health services, according to Social Democrats mental health spokesperson Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “The new Connecting for Life strategy contains […]

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. […]

Government policy is failing many of Ireland’s small towns, according to Social Democrats spokesperson for Rural and Community Development Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide said: “The latest CSO data on small towns paints a stark picture of the level of disadvantage faced by their communities. “Many of these towns are growing. Families are laying down roots. […]

An attempt by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland to remove the term ‘pharmacological restraint’ from the Mental Health Bill invalidates the experiences of people who have been over-sedated or medicated in coercive or restrictive ways during psychiatric treatment, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson for mental […]

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 […]

While a number of important improvements have been made to the Mental Health Bill during the Seanad process, the Government has still failed to address several major human rights and child protection concerns, according to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. Deputy Quaide, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, said: “Seanad scrutiny has improved […]