Grandfather offers to stop dialysis to pay for grandson's speech therapy

A 52-year-old grandfather on dialysis proposed to Irish government officials that he stop his treatment so his three-year-old grandson could receive speech therapy. The man, who lives in Donegal, sent an email to Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty and Tánaiste Simon Harris. He suggested a trade-off where he would cease his three weekly dialysis sessions to save the state money. He wanted those savings directed toward his grandson, who is currently non-verbal.

Doherty told the Dáil that the email stopped him in his tracks. He quoted the man writing, "My heart breaks for him as he cannot talk and gets so frustrated. My daughter has him on a waiting list to be seen. I feel he’s been left behind." The grandfather added, "I know what my outcome will be, but I would give anything to hear his little voice." He emphasized his certainty by stating, "I’m still young at 52, but at peace with my decision."

The Donegal representative said he spoke with the man after receiving the email. Doherty advised him to continue his treatment but acknowledged the family's desperation. He described the grandfather's love for his grandson as unmistakable. Doherty noted that the man thought saving the state a few pounds would secure treatment for the child. He framed the situation as part of a wider failure in community care that receives less public attention than hospital waiting lists.

HSE figures presented by Doherty show that 6,170 children were waiting to begin initial speech and language therapy at the end of July. In the Clare and Limerick service area, 305 children are waiting for speech and language services. The longest wait for an assessment in County Clare is 91 weeks. In Donegal, the wait for an assessment is 44 weeks. Doherty urged the government to provide a direct and compassionate response to the case.

Tánaiste Simon Harris responded to the Dáil by expressing regret at the stress and anxiety the man was feeling. Harris said he had not been previously aware of the email. He stated he would check with officials and raise the specific case with Ministers. He also said he would pass the information on to the Health Service Executive. Harris argued that it should never be a choice between the grandfather receiving his required treatment and the grandchild receiving speech therapy.

Harris stated that the government recognizes primary care and therapy waiting lists are still too long. He noted that Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill increased funding for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy last year. The goal of this funding is to reduce the number of people on waiting lists. The government is also committed to doubling the number of college places for health and social care students.

This expansion includes speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, and social workers. The plan provides up to 461 additional student places by 2028. Harris acknowledged that this long-term strategy is not the immediate answer for the three-year-old child in question. He said the capacity build-up aims to prevent future situations where grandparents worry about their children accessing necessary treatment.