Deputy George Lawlor Slams HSE for Denying Mattress Request for Autistic Young Man

Deputy George Lawlor has condemned the HSE for refusing a simple request for a new mattress for a 23-year-old man living with autism and severe health challenges. The man, who is non-verbal and doubly incontinent, currently sleeps on a mattress that is more than 10 years old and no longer fit for use. His family contacted the HSE to request a replacement, but the HSE denied the request, stating that the provision of a new mattress did not meet a "clinical need." Speaking out against the refusal, Deputy Lawlor expressed his disbelief at the HSE’s response, calling it an “appalling indictment” of the government’s priorities. “On a week where we’re giving millions to multinational corporations like McDonald’s and Starbucks, as well as to big builders, the fact that we can’t provide something as basic as a mattress for a 23-year-old man who lives with autism is shocking,” Deputy Lawlor has pledged to vigorously pursue the matter with the HSE, ensuring that the young man and his family receive the care and consideration they urgently need. “This is a failure on the part of the government to provide basic services for those who need it the most,” he added.