We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Cara Darmody and disability needs

Summary

Deputy McGrath praised Eamon Ryan, then returned to Cara Darmody’s protest and the lack of delivery on disability promises. The Taoiseach thanked him, said he had met Cara, and confirmed he would meet her again on Thursday.

He was always courteous in debate, while I fundamentally disagreed with him in policy. I hope he did not find the coldest June too hot to handle. Maybe his climate change clock has gone wrong but I wish him well.

While I thank the Taoiseach for meeting Cara Darmody today with her father, Mark, she should be in school today. She will be off for the summer shortly but she will be up here every week protesting while we are here and continuing to protest and to fight. I heard her say on the radio, and I am sure she told the Taoiseach, that she has met two taoisigh already and they promised her. The time for promises is over. People like Cara’s two brothers and her mother, Noelle, at home minding them are profoundly suffering. They need proper, timely assessments, treatments and supports. When will that happen? I appreciate that the Taoiseach will meet them on Thursday with other Ministers. That is very important because we need to have meaningful action here. We cannot have a school child forced to come up here to Government Buildings or the Dáil to look for what all the children should have.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy for his words of tribute to the Minister, Deputy Ryan. I think many could learn from his courteous and civil approach to politics -----

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

-----in this House and indeed outside this House as well.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

There are many lessons that could be learned from him in that regard.

I thank the Deputy for his words about Cara Darmody. I met her as a Minister, not as the Taoiseach. She highlighted a number of things to me then and some of those, I believe, we have made progress on. I look forward to meeting her again on Thursday.

Comment on this