'If you want anything, get it done before the election!’ one local advises

“I HAD the misfortune of going into the Regional 20 years ago with my 84-year-old father. The night we were in there, there were 96 people on trolleys and it has actually gotten worse in the meantime.”

These are the words of Mary McGrath during a visit by the Limerick Leader to Hospital Family Resource Centre to gauge the mood on the ground ahead of the General Election.

It is a foggy and still morning outside, but, inside, the centre it is a hive of activity. A computer class, parent and toddler group and Step Forward Disability Group are all busy in different rooms.

Mary, from Hospital, takes a break from typing in the computer class to talk to the Leader.

placeholder image — Mary, from Hospital, takes a break from typing in the computer class to talk to the Leader.

“There is nothing there for the self-employed if they’re sick and it’s very wrong how people with special needs are treated,” says Mary, who has no time for bureaucracy and says, “We need more work and less politicians”.

Mary would like to see “big changes” after the election.

Michelle Stack, parent support worker, says the cost of childcare and the cost of living are huge issues for the mums and dads she meets on a daily basis.

“You're juggling everything between food, heat, light. Take the cost of fuel now and heating homes - you find that children will have a nice thick jumper or a coat on. It's a tough time to be a parent in Ireland. You’re just keeping your head above water. It's a huge struggle. I can’t imagine what it's like for lone parents,” says Ms Stack, who echoes Ms McGrath’s concerns about services for those with disabilities.

“The government needs to think and act on disabilities earlier for children to be able to go to mainstream school. They’re waiting two to three years to get an appointment. They have to pay privately to get assessments costing €1,400,” says Ms Stack.

Maureen Browne, of the award-winning Step Forward Disability Group, says they would like more support from the new government on their Think Before You Park campaign.

“It's the obstacles that people with disabilities meet on a regular basis going out. I'm partially sighted. I don't look like I have a sight problem but I am registered blind. Blocking footpaths with vehicles takes away the freedom for people with disabilities, and it's universal because it covers people with buggies and older people too,” explains Ms Browne, who would like to see more fines for offenders and introduce penalty points to really make people think twice about blocking footpaths.

Improved public transport and increased funding for groups like Step Forward are other points she raises. Ms Browne can't foresee big changes “whoever gets in”.

“There was an old saying - if you want anything, get it done before the election or it won't be done at all!”

Last but not least is the woman who manages the whole operation, also called Mary McGrath.

Every day she meets people in the centre from youngsters to not so young. What has focused their minds in the run up to the election?

“What's really important is that there's somewhere to go in their community, that they're connected. Loneliness and isolation can be a massive thing, affecting all groups, families, older, younger.

More supports for children and people with disabilities are needed and better connectivity in rural areas is really important. Housing, of course, is an issue, and poverty, quality of life, and access to supports,” says Ms McGrath.

The politicians aren’t the only ones campaigning. Hospital Family Resource Centre has asked all the outgoing TDs and those going for the Dail to sign their petition and pledge they'll stand against all forms of racism.