Down Syndrome Ireland slam 'harmful' remark about Donegal child

Down Syndrome Ireland have hit out at a comment made by a healthcare professional in Donegal.

A HSE Children’s Disability Network Team professional is alleged to have told a family that ‘children with Down Syndrome learn differently and they can be quite lazy’.

The comment was allegedly made during a meeting with the family of the young boy to discuss care plans for the child.

Down Syndrome Ireland has said that it is ‘deeply concerned’ by the remark.

“As well as being utterly factually false, statements and attitudes such as these diminish and demean our members’ characters, achievements and potential,” Down Syndrome Ireland said.

“More worryingly, if such attitudes prevail within bodies charged with the care of our members, then our members and their families cannot have confidence in the quality of care being offered to them.”

Down Syndrome Ireland was founded in 1972 and says that attitudes towards people with the condition have changed for the better.

“They have shattered stereotypes and outmoded perceptions of their capabilities and their entitlements,” Down Syndrome Ireland said.

“Harmful language and attitudes such as these have no place in a modern healthcare system. Our members are entitled to the same respect, dignity and consideration as anyone who accesses the health system.

“They do not deserve to be labelled with baseless and harmful preconceptions, which have the potential to limit our members’ chances in life.”

Down Syndrome Ireland has called on the HSE to liaise with the family directly affected, with Donegal Down Syndrome and with Down Syndrome Ireland ‘to ensure that such dismissive attitudes are left firmly in the past’.

The HSE says that it has issued an apology to the child and promised that a full investigation into the matter will take place.