Catherine Ardagh

Overall sentiment: 0.15
Back to Debate

2. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs will next meet. [46846/25]

Sentiment score: 0.18

Today I am calling for a dedicated south inner city initiative to tackle growing levels of antisocial behaviour and community decline across Dublin's south inner city, including our suburbs. If the Taoiseach drives or walks through parts of the south city, he will see young men dressed in beautiful clothing, riding scooters and, much of the time, delivering drugs for the various drug gangs. It is very important we divert these young men away from a life of crime and a life of drugs. To do that, we need targeted investment, co-ordinated supports and visible policing to restore safety and confidence in our communities. We need investment not just in education but in sports facilities, especially in our inner city. In the south inner city between the Liffey and the canal, we do not even have one full-sized sports pitch at present. It is an absolute disgrace. Children have to leave their communities in order to play a game of football or soccer. I ask the Taoiseach to make this a priority.

Sentiment score: 0.17

20. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on disability will next meet. [46848/25]

Sentiment score: 0.00

One of the greatest fears facing parents of children with disabilities and parents of adult children with disabilities is what will happen when we are no longer here. Who will care for my son? Who will care for all of these children, including adult children? It is a question that causes sleepless nights for so many people. Ultimately, we need a clear, compassionate pathway for lifelong housing and care in the community for adults with disabilities, so families can have certainty and peace of mind. Will the Government commit to developing a national plan to ensure that every person with a disability has a safe, permanent home and the supports they need, not just for today but for the future? All of us have been in many houses in our constituencies and we have met elderly parents caring for middle-aged children with disabilities. It is heartbreaking that they are in their senior years and they do not know what is going to happen to their son or daughter when they pass. We have all dealt with these types of queries. It is something that lies ahead for me and my family also. We need to start discussing housing and care in the community for people with disabilities.

Sentiment score: 0.25