Funding must be found for disabled school leavers

Speaking in the Dail today (Thursday) Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Olivia Mitchell, called on the Minister for Health, James Reilly, to ensure funding is provided for 18 year old disabled children after they leave education. Deputy Mitchell said for the first time ever, there is no provision in this year’s health budget for supports for these children.

“Traditionally, the Department of Health has provided follow-up supports for 18 year old children, once they are finished in school, including training and day activation measures. But from this summer these supports will no longer be available, because no provision has been made in the health budget.

“Many of these children are so disabled they may never leave home again if this situation is allowed to persist. We cannot abandon them or their families in this way.

“If we abolished all third level education for able bodied school leavers there would be a revolution. How can we allow it for those most in need of supports? I’m calling on the Minister for Health to find, somewhere within his budget, sufficient funding to ensure even a basic day service for this cohort of children.

“I recognise the need for savings and efficiencies right through the health service but it is indefensible to let disabled children suffer in order to drive efficiencies. None of us can happily live with a decision whereby the one health service that is completely abolished is the one 18 year old disabled children depend on.”