Gabhaim buíochas leis na Social Democrats as ucht an rún seo a chur os comhair na Dála. I thank the Minister of State for coming out to my constituency and visiting some of the service users in the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, and the Central Remedial Clinic, CRC, and for the work she has done since in her role. I met many families living with constant uncertainty about what will happen to their sons and daughters. I met a lot of them personally in their kitchens. Looking into the eyes of those parents, you could see they feel this needs to be looked at. I understand why this is 100%. I was speaking to some of them during the week. When I rang them, they were so concerned about their children, which every parent would be, that they needed to come back to me once they processed their thoughts. I want to put some of them on the record of the House. I thank the members of the Before We Die campaign and the parents who have been in regular contact with me, including Nora, Una, Bernadette, Caroline, Lynn, Candi, Tony, Suzanne, JJ, Mary and Helen. There are many more such people across the country and they all face the same fear. The current system is incredibly fragmented. I know the Minister of State is working on this issue now, but it is an exhausting process for these parents to navigate. I was speaking to Candi, who is a full-time carer for her daughter. She has shared her experience with me and has highlighted the need for housing that provides continuity, stability and rightful supports so that people with intellectual disabilities can live fulfilling lives. She also spoke about the additional pressures faced by many family carers, particularly single mothers, and the physical demands of caring, including manual handling and the impact on their health. There is an enormous strain on parents already providing care around the clock. Families feel they are under pressure. They need a plan and they need certainty. I do believe that the Minister of State will give that to them. I look forward to her announcing this plan and to welcoming that announcement. The families deserve to know that their children will be supported, not only at a time of crisis but throughout their lives.

Sentiment score: 0.04