Taoiseach in the hot seat over disability services at Fianna Fáil's think-in 

Micheál Martin had cameras pointing at him as he was grilled on one of the issues that the Government just cannot seem to solve

Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking at the Fianna Fáil think-in. Picture: Damien Eagers 

There is nowhere Taoiseach Micheál Martin feels more comfortable than his home county of Cork.

This is why the Fianna Fáil think-in at the Rochestown Park Hotel in his own Cork South Central constituency should have been a walk in the park for him.

However, he soon received a rude awakening as the national disability scandal landed right on his doorstep.

As he got out of his swanky Lexus, a swathe of loyal Fianna Fáil parliamentary party members stood there waiting to meet him.

Nestled amongst them was Cobh woman Antoinette Burke, who told the Taoiseach that her daughter Katie Byrne has been “ignored” by the State.

She had written to his office several times, and his secretary had Katie’s documents. If she had not thrown them out, Ms Burke added. The Taoiseach assured her this would never happen.

Any blowups about disability have, to date, typically have engulfed Tánaiste Simon Harris. 

Taoiseach Michál Martin speaks to Antoinette Burke from Cobh at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Co Cork, where she confronted him over the lack of healthcare treatment her daughter. Picture: Noel Sweeney/PA

He was criticised for the infamous Kanturk moment during last year’s general election, when carer Charlotte Fallon confronted him in a supermarket. In recent months, he has faced calls to resign following the death of scoliosis patient Harvey Morrison Sherat

However, this time it was Micheál Martin who had the cameras pointing at him as he was grilled on one of the issues that the Government just cannot seem to solve.

In his defence, he stood and listened for seven minutes as she spoke of how, aged just 18, Katie requires a hip operation. Ms Burke spoke emotionally about her daughter, including her daily battles with cerebral palsy, severe hip dysplasia, a retroverted pelvis, a twisted femur, and subluxation.

She has been begging for treatment since she was four years old. She does not believe Kate has received enough.

Mr Martin tried to explain how consultants and doctors must make decisions based on evidence.

It is true, but it is not the answer this bereft mother wanted to hear.

As the think-in moved on and everything from housing to the economy was discussed, the only topic on everyone’s lips was Antoinette Burke.

It certainly was not the warm homecoming Mr Martin was hoping for.

As the Dáil returns on Wednesday, the disability issue is well and truly back on the agenda.