To: Ireland disability service minister
2 Years, No Services: End the Neglect of Disabled Children in Ireland
Dear Minister Norma Foley,
I am writing to express my deep frustration and heartbreak over the dire state of disability services in Donegal and across Ireland. My child, who requires essential occupational therapy, has not received a single session in the past two years. In fact, over the last decade, they have had only 4–5 appointments — an appallingly inadequate level of care for a child in need.
This is not just our story; it is the reality for countless families across the country. Children with disabilities are being left behind, their development and well-being compromised by a failing system. Despite promises of improvement, services remain severely underfunded and understaffed, with families waiting years for even basic interventions.
We cannot allow this neglect to continue. Every child deserves access to the care and support they need to thrive. I urge you to prioritize and invest in disability services, clear the backlog of cases, and give our children the future they deserve.
We need action — not tomorrow, but now.
Sincerely
Anil Antony
Why is this important?
No child should be left without the care they need to grow, learn, and thrive — yet across Donegal and Ireland, children with disabilities have been forgotten. Families have waited years, sometimes a decade, for essential services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and early intervention. My own child has gone without occupational therapy for the past two years, with only 4–5 appointments in the last ten years. This is not an isolated case — it’s a nationwide crisis.
By joining this campaign, you are standing up for every child who has been denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. You are giving a voice to parents who have been fighting, unheard, for the care their children deserve. And you are demanding accountability and immediate action from the government to fix this failing system.
Together, we can push for real change — increased funding, reduced waiting lists, and a future where no child is left behind. Your support can make the difference between years of neglect and a system that truly serves the most vulnerable in our communities.
Let’s fight for their future — because every child matters.
