Forget good intentions and give us resources
I welcome the Disability Bill and hope that all the long years of campaigning by various groups do not go to waste.
Unfortunately, this Government has had so many good intentions over the years - the end of waiting lists within two years, more hospital beds, more medical cards, 2,000 extra gardaí - the list goes on and on.
First impressions of the bill show what would appear to be good intentions towards those who have disabilities.
But, as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We do not want this to be another triumph of style over substance. Any lasting benefits must depend on funding.
The Taoiseach remembers the booing he got at last year’s Special Olympics. But, as of yet, what details have been seen of the promised extra funding, above the €4 billion which he estimated has already been spent?
He stated that this bill was not “a blank cheque”. Tánaiste Mary Harney told us this is “rights-based legislation... “but dependent on available resources.
Will that be the case when ministers need new Mercs? Resources are always available then.
Charlie McCreevy created The Horse and Greyhound Act a few years ago. This established a fund, from our taxes, which guaranteed over €200 million over four or five years. Why not do it again to help those with a disability? More to the point, why wasn’t this done first to help disabled people? Are our four-legged friends worth more than humans?
For people with disabilities to have their lives changed for the better, resources must be put in place for early intervention with sufficient numbers of trained staff available.
Let us pray this time it will not be a triumph of hope over experience. We don’t want any more ministerial photo-opportunities. We want action now.
Noel Leahy
Knockbrack
Abbeyfeale
Co Limerick
