Mother secures review of financial aid ruling for son

A woman who created padded rooms in her house for her son – to prevent him from hurting himself – has secured a meeting with …

A woman who created padded rooms in her house for her son – to prevent him from hurting himself – has secured a meeting with authorities about her situation.

Frances Healy, Garryowen, Limerick, whose son Luke (14) has special needs, was turned down by Limerick City Council last week for a disabled grant allowance.

However, after publicising her story on Friday, officials contacted her about a possible review of her case. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday. Luke, who has Down syndrome, requires 24-hour supervision because he has epilepsy, autism, attention deficit disorder and asthma.

Ms Healy pleaded for a review as she felt obliged to remove her sittingroom fireplace and cover most of her council house in soft padding because Luke constantly bangs his head off hard surfaces.