Child’s lungs could collapse due to cutbacks

“Any society, any nation, is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members; the last, the least, the littlest” — Cardinal Roger Mahoney (1998).

The Daughters of Charity (Navan Road) care for some of the most vulnerable children in Ireland. Specifically the children in the Developmental Education Centre (DEC).

Many have significant disability and life-limiting illnesses. They depend on their families and carers for every aspect of life.

They are few in number and it would seem they have no voice or representation in the eyes of the HSE and Government.

Repeated budget cuts have resulted in the loss of critical services in the DEC.

When budgets are cut, a child, who was once walking with the aid of a frame, is back in his wheelchair again; a child with severe scoliosis will see his condition worsen and his lungs eventually collapse.

This is what happens when physiotherapy services are removed.

On paper it might seem trivial but the impact is significant. This is happening under Leo Varadkar’s tenure as Minister of Health.

I invite the Minister to come meet some of the children who need his help. Let us put some context on the decision to reduce the quality of life of “the last, the least, the littlest”.

Children need help, the cuts must be reversed.

Gavin McShera

Clonsilla

Dublin