Tipperary disability campaigner Cara Darmody has spent the night ‘camped out’ outside Leinster house to highlight long waiting lists for children’s ‘assessments of needs’.
The 14 year from Ardfinnan took up her position yesterday, while a joint motion was being debated in the Dail calling on the Government to take emergency action.
Cara says she felt she had no other option than to take to the streets with a 50 hour protest to raise awareness of the problem.
“Basically there is a law that states that when a child applies for an assessment that they must be assessed within six months of their application for that assessment. And that law is being smashed in over 93% of cases and in most children’s cases it is taking 5 to 6 years for that assessment.”
Tipperary TD Alan Kelly was among many to speak in the Dáil on Cara’s campaign when he addressed Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley.
“I just want to say this quite openly here, I am so uncomfortable about the fact that its got to the stage where a 14 year old is sleeping outside tonight and tomorrow night.
“It’s a national scandal – we can’t allow it to happen. Someone from government – and you’re a very decent person Minister, I absolutely know that – but the Taoiseach or somebody has to go out there. It will be a stain on all of us if there isn’t something done.”
