Many tributes paid to disability activist Ms Leigh Gath

Tributes have been paid to lifelong disability activist Ms Leigh Gath, who passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday (27 July 2024).

Ms Gath, a survivor of Thalidomide and wheelchair user, was a relentless campaigner for the rights of people with a disability throughout her life.

In 2014 she was appointed as the first Confidential Recipient in the HSE, an office that examines concerns and complaints relating to HSE/HSE-funded services for people with a disability and older persons. The role was created following the abuse scandal at Áras Attracta, a HSE residence for people with an intellectual disability in Co Mayo. Ms Gath was the Confidential Recipient until September 2022.

Numerous organisations and individuals have posted tributes to Ms Gath on social media expressing their sadness at her passing and underlining the impact she had on society.

The Irish Wheelchair Association described Ms Gath as “a truly extraordinary person who advocated so strongly on disability issues. A force to be reckoned with, she will be deeply missed.”

Disability activist Ms Suzy Byrne posted a photo of Ms Gath outside Government buildings in 2012 after she had slept out overnight in protest against personal assistant (PA) cuts.

Mr James Cawley Jr, another disability activist, said Ms Gath was “never afraid to challenge, question or lead difficult conversations when they needed to happen. As she wheeled into any room, with her distinct accent and authority, you immediately listened, discussed and debated the next barrier to remove for our community.”

Social worker Ms Celine O’Connor posted that she had known Ms Gath during her time as the Confidential Recipient. “There was no stronger advocate to have. A phone call or email from Leigh and problems could be resolved. RIP a true warrior woman.”

The HSE National Safeguarding Office described Ms Gath as “a tireless champion and campaigner for the human rights of persons with disabilities”.

In a statement, HSE CEO Mr Bernard Gloster said Ms Gath “challenged all professionals and organisations and Governments to think differently”.

Current Confidential Recipient Ms Grainne Cunningham-O’Brien said Ms Gath was “an outstanding disability activist”.

“Leigh spoke up for people with a disability and older people experiencing mistreatment, negligence, poor care practices and abuse in HSE-funded services. l had the pleasure of spending a week with Leigh when l first came into the position. She was kind, thoughtful and generous in sharing her knowledge and preparing me for the role.”

Ms Gath spoke to the Medical Independent (MI) on a number of occasions to highlight issues affecting people with a disability.

In August 2022, Ms Gath said she believed the office of the Confidential Recipient should be expanded as part of the reorganisation of the HSE and better promoted. “I don’t know if it is getting pushed by the HSE as hard as it could,” she noted.

Ms Gath also highlighted the lack of PA hours for people with a disability, which was damaging their independence.

 “It is extremely frustrating to see people getting services and supports that will allow them [only] an existence. But there is a reason why about 75 per cent of my community are unemployed. Because how can you be employed if you need supports and you are only guaranteed someone to get you up in the morning when it suits them, not you? And to put you to bed at night when it suits them, not you?”

She said in many areas of the country, “the agencies that work for the HSE won’t have their staff out late at night. So adults are in bed by 7 or 8 o’clock at night against their wishes because there is nobody to put them to bed any later.”

“I think the Government need to legislate that people, if they need it and if they qualify, have the right to a PA service.”

While the HSE and politicians espoused the social model of disability and person-centred planning, “that doesn’t exist in many respects”.

In December 2022, Ms Gath spoke to MI about the “extortionate” level of tax sought by Government on an extensively modified vehicle that she required to drive independently.

Ms Gath said she was not the only person with significant disability who was driving and that she was prepared to challenge the matter in court if necessary.

A notice on Rip.ie describes Ms Gath as a “loving mother, wife and lifelong, passionate disability advocate and activist”.

“Dearly missed by her husband Eugene, son Karl, daughter Aisling, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends from Newry, Limerick, Texas and all over Ireland and the world.”