Council back investigation into disability services underfunding

The motion was put before council by Sinn Fein Councillor, Sandra Duffy, at the council’s monthly meeting in the Guildhall on Thursday afternoon.

A similar motion was also put before council by SDLP. Colr. Tina Gardiner; it also received unanimous support.

“I would ask that this council support the call from the Western Learning Disability Action Group that the legacy of serious underfunding in Learning Difficulty Services in the WHSCT is addressed with immediate effect; and supports the call that all issues relating to this subject to a proper, thorough and independent investigation.

“Sinn Fein has given its full support to the campaign launched by the Western Learning Disability Action Group.

“Our party’s MLAs attended a meeting with the Trust last week to begin to address the issue.

“The deputy First Minister has visited some of the families involved with the campaign and has given his commitment that he will be raising the issue with the incoming Health Minister, Michelle O’Neill.”

The WHSCT’s underfunding of learning disability services was uncovered in a report carried out by Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).