Taoiseach Simon Harris’ promise to reform disability supports in Ireland has been branded as “top-tier gaslighting” by a disability activist.

In his maiden address as Taoiseach, Harris told the Dáil yesterday that he would “deliver real and meaningful reform for people with disabilities” once and for all.

Access For All’s Bernard Mulvany said the comments were “upsetting” for the disabled community to hear, who he said didn't believe a word.

Mr Mulvany told Lunchtime Live today that life has gotten worse and worse for those with disabilities under the current Government.

“We have seen our poverty increase, our isolation increase and we’ve seen the number of people on hospital waiting lists grow,” he said.

“In the 13 years [since Harris was elected TD], things have gotten worse - but now, all of a sudden, everything is going to be sorted in eight months.

“I’m sorry, but this is top-tier gaslighting and it’s upsetting for the community to hear when  the number of children waiting on scoliosis surgeries going through the roof.”

Green Paper

Mr Mulvany said disability activists are calling on Government to scrap its Green Paper on Disability Reform.

“A Green Paper is a Tory policy that you have to justify how disabled you are to get the highest payment which is €250 a week," he said.

“I challenge anyone in Ireland to survive on €250 a week.

“This has all been done under the current Government, under Fine Gael’s watch, and Simon Harris has been an integral part of that Government.

“It’s not a personal attack on the man, it’s a political stance - our policies have failed and we see no light at the end of the tunnel.”

Change

Mr Mulvany said new parties are needed in Government to implement real change.

“We need a reset, we need change and we need to see people in there who will stop talking and start acting,” he said.

“But by the looks of things, we are going to have more talking, more committees and no progressive developments for people.

“We have problems across the board, like poverty, like healthcare and housing – issues that are having a real impact on our communities.”

'No ill will'

Mr Mulvany acknowledged Simon Harris has “no ill intention or ill will” towards the disabled community.

“But how many committees, reports, how many times do we have to come on the radio or TV to say our life is getting worse before there is change,” he said.

“I hear lovely soundbites, I hear lovely TikTok’s and all the social media jargon that goes with it – but the actual reality when I’m with young people with disabilities, adults with disabilities, I know so many who feel no hope.”

Access For All is a non-profit that campaigns for inclusion and equality on behalf of disabled people in Ireland.

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Main image: Taoiseach Simon Harris. Image: Alamy.com