When the story first broke about the blister packs, my office was inundated with calls. People contacted me not only asking why but expressing their disgust and anger and a deep sense that once again the most vulnerable in our society are being left behind, forgotten and treated as an afterthought by this Government. Whatever way they get their blister packs, it is not their fault that they were getting them for free and now they may have to pay for them.

Sentiment score: -0.25

We talk about the bike shed and the security hut as examples of taxpayers' money being wasted, but I would not call this a waste of money. It is a lifesaving device. What we are seeing here is all too familiar. The most vulnerable people in Clare and across the State are being given a small rise on one hand, only to have to have it taken straight back on the other. That is not progress. It is not fair. It certainly is not protecting those who rely on these vital lifesaving supports. I have listened carefully to those who came to me. This decision does not just affect those who use blister packs; it affects carers, families and loved ones who depend on this lifeline to keep people safe. These supports help elderly people, people with physical disabilities and those living with cognitive impairment of all ages. Imagine coming home to find your loved one collapsed or incoherent. You ring an ambulance, and you are asked a simple but critical question, "Have they taken their medication?" but you cannot answer because their blister pack is not there. You do not know if they have double dosed, triple dosed or taken none at all. Blister packs provide answers to those questions that can save lives. Imagine trying to live as independently as possible with a disability only to have a simple lifesaving support priced out of your reach. The loss of independence forces people to rely on others and even they may not have someone to rely on. It is not acceptable. Sinn Féin believes people should be able to live in dignity and safely. I implore the Minister to give some people hope this Christmas that they will not face the cost of funding for a device that is not a luxury but a necessity.

Sentiment score: 0.14