'Thank God for a bit of good news' - mother of boy (9) with cerebral palsy delighted as money found for disability projects after Dail row over 'election stunt'

The recent announcement by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth secures an €8 million grant to fund disability projects, with implementation expected to start in mid-year. This decision follows previous political controversy over the unfulfilled €3.6 million emergency funding for special needs children, which became a point of contention during local elections. Parent Denise McGahern expressed relief at the funding resolution and thanked Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty for his role in advocating for timely financial support, exemplifying ongoing struggles between political motivations and genuine support for families in need.

"The department has secured sanction for the €8m grant fund to cover the costs in full. It's in the bank account. The minister said she would work urgently to secure this funding, and it has been achieved."

"It's great that it has been got. Thank God for a bit of good news at last. I would also like to thank Pearse Doherty for highlighting this whole thing."

Read at Irish Independent