TD’s heartbreaking Dáil plea on behalf of Westmeath man

A local TD has pleaded with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien to intervene in the case of an Athlone man who has been living in a nursing home for a year and a half after suffering a stroke - because his private rented accommodation is no longer suitable for his needs.

Sinn Féin's Sorca Clarke made the poignant appeal in the Dáil on Wednesday last on behalf of Charles Murray, saying he wants to go home and his family wants him home.

Despite representations and interventions by occupational therapists, physiotherapists and a medical social worker, Deputy Clarke said the response from the local authority to date has been that there are no properties available, but that the family qualifies for homeless housing assistance payment, HAP.

“This family is not homeless. Tragic events have resulted in a long-term medical need that requires adapted housing. The reality now is that a family is separated by the loss of a parent from the family home,” she explained, adding that Mr Murray is missing out on proper recovery from his stroke.

“His recovery is stalling because the nursing home cannot provide the therapies he urgently needs. I ask the Minister to intervene in this case. Mr Murray wants to go home. His children want him home. In the words of his own wife, he belongs at home.”

Having listened to Deputy Clarke's contribution, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien asked that the Longford/Westmeath TD submit the details of the Athlone case to his department.

While he is precluded from an intervening in an individual case, he promised to ask his officals “to engage with the local authorities to find out what is happening for this gentleman in question and to do their level best to ensure the accommodation he requires is provided and he can be reunited with his family”.

He asked Deputy Clarke to submit the details of the case to his department and they will revert back to her.