Government reneging on its moral duty

IT is almost four years since I called on the then health boards and the Government to make repayments to the long-stay residents of nursing homes.

Since then many who of those who were wronged have departed this world. They were never afforded the dignity of utilising their own money as they deemed appropriate.

We hear regularly how the State’s coffers are overflowing.

In last month’s budget we were told of the billions the Minister for Finance had at his disposal. Sadly, through it all there was no mention of the money owed to the living elderly or to the relatives of those who could wait no longer.

The Government continues to renege on its moral duty while the opposition sits silently and fails the forgotten. Concern for natural justice appears to have faded. Respect for the principle of rightful restitution has vanished.

Promises, long since made, have fallen by the wayside. The feeble and aged are no political threat — they can sit and wait. Or they can fade away and die.

For the many who have made their final journey we utter a quiet prayer and trust they are reaping the rewards of their years of honest toil.

To the living who seek the return of their rightful property, we hope the cruel and unjust wait will soon be over.

Cllr Michael Gleeson

South Kerry Independent Alliance

Clasheen

Killarney

Co Kerry