Mayo TD calls for urgent improvement in disablility access

Mayo TD Keira Keogh has launched a fresh appeal for a change in the way that disability is addressed and perceived in Ireland.

In a speech in the Dáil on Tuesday, the Mayo representative called for a significant improvement the infrastructure which serves those living with disabilities.

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Keogh is someone who has seen these issues first-hand on the ground, having worked with neurodiverse children as a behaviour consultant. In her experience, the issues her public sector counterparts experienced were stark.

“Disability advocacy is not just a policy area for me—it’s deeply personal,” said Deputy Keogh.

Meanwhile, I often found my counterparts in the HSE faced overwhelming caseloads and as a result little job satisfaction. That system is failing those who need it most.”

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The Westport native highlighted, amongst other issues, the lack of respite hours for caregivers and long waiting lists for essential services.

 “When people with disabilities receive the proper supports and access, they can reach their full potential, she stated. “When they do, all of society benefits”.

Keogh outlined some key issues affecting people with disabilities, including:

•             Endless waiting lists for essential services
•             Lack of respite hours for families and caregivers
•             Significant sacrifices by full-time carers
•             Bureaucratic obstacles to accessing crucial supports like the Housing Adaptation Grant

Highlighting the responsibility on all to deliver meaningful change, she welcomed the appointment of the new Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton, and thanked her for meeting to discuss constituents concerns from Mayo.