11/11/2026
HOW DARE YOU.
After our bit of humour yesterday about the Government's email encouraging carers to take up employment, today it's time to talk about how hurt we actually are.
Because behind the humour is a lot of anger, frustration and heartbreak.
Do you understand what life is like for families caring for children with complex additional needs? The constant demands, the appointments, the sleepless nights, the battles for services and the responsibility that never switches off?
We haven't simply decided not to work. Many of us have had to put careers and financial independence aside because our children need us, and because the support they need isn't there.
Before telling carers to get back into employment, perhaps ask yourselves:
Who will care for our children?
Who will provide the therapies and support they desperately need?
Who will step in when the services that should be there simply aren't?
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for a system that actually supports our children and their families.
You cannot expect carers to return to work while leaving them to carry the responsibility of a failing disability services system.
Yesterday we laughed. Today we're telling you how much this hurts.
Carers deserve recognition, respect and support. Not another email telling us what we should be doing.
Simon Harris TD MicheĂĄl Martin
