Mother criticises Finian McGrath ‘dumping’ comment

A woman whose adult child has significant disabilities and is living in a health facility has heavily criticised Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath for saying some families are “dumping” relatives in the units.

Ina O’Dwyer, from Cahersiveen in Co Kerry, hit out at the remark in an open letter to Mr McGrath which is published in today’s Irish Examiner. Earlier this month, Mr McGrath said the “dumping” of relatives in facilities is a matter of concern for him and the Coalition.

In the letter , Ms O’Dwyer writes: “I feel so upset, so hurt, so angry and appalled that you would accuse me of ‘dumping’ my son into ‘an institution’ and accuse me of abandoning him there.