Cara Darmody protest and assessment law
Deputy McDonald raised Cara Darmody’s protest and accused the Government of failing children. The Taoiseach said he had met Cara and Mark, described the meeting as constructive, and said he would bring forward changes to allow greater flexibility in assessments and interventions.
We now move to Questions on Policy or Legislation. We had 69 applicants, of whom 18 have been chosen. I ask all Deputies to co-operate on time or we will have to decline some Deputies the opportunity to speak.
Comment on this
Today marks day two of the protest by Cara Darmody, aged 14. She is again outside the gates of Leinster House and, for as long as the Taoiseach and his Government are breaking the law and leaving children behind, Cara will protest, as will many others. She is not going away. The Taoiseach met her this morning. From what I hear, he made no commitments and no progress with Cara. The Government is not opposing the combined Opposition motion before the House. That was obviously just a ruse not to look bad on its part. It has been entirely unclear as to what action it will take on foot of the motion.
The Taoiseach talked a lot about the law and a response to the High Court, three years later. The Disability Act 2005 affords significant protection-----
Comment on this
-----and an entitlement to an assessment of need within six months. What changes to the law does the Taoiseach envisage?
Comment on this
I met Mark and Cara this morning at 9 o'clock. It was a positive and constructive meeting. We discussed all the issues involved and I outlined what I will do and what the Government will do. I already outlined in a response under Leaders' Questions earlier, all the steps we will take.
I was involved in drafting the 2005 legislation-----
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You are breaking your own law.
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The important point is this: I am interested in solutions. I am not at all clear that Sinn Féin is.