Celebrations mock reality of services

THE hypocrisy of successive Governments towards disabled people was put sharply into focus yesterday as protesters huddled outside Dublin’s Mansion House where the Taoiseach celebrated Ireland’s contribution to the European Year of People with Disabilities.

The yawning gulf between the world of political spin and the grim reality of life for disabled people on the street outside was put in perspective by the National Parents and Siblings Alliance (NPSA), whose spokesman wondered "why they're celebrating because they've nothing to celebrate".

While politicians bask in reflected adulation, hundreds of families live in crisis because of the inadequacy of State services for people with learning disabilities, such as autism. Yet, despite bringing their grievances before a succession of ministers and Governments, parents complain that "nothing has happened".