Every parent of a special needs son or daughter has the same nagging thought at the back of his and her mind. "What will become of my child when I am gone?" This is especially worrying in the case of people with intellectual disability. Although one cannot predict the future, chances are that these children will outlive their parents... And then what!? Who is going to ensure continuous care for these people once we, their present guardians and carers, are gone?

It is about time that our politicians brush aside their differences and try to come up with a real and feasible solution to this one. Why the politicians? It is not just a matter of fingers pointing in the usual direction but in this case, only action by the government of the day can result in the setting up of a proper place of care where we could rest assured that once we are gone, our children will continue to have the care and attention they deserve in homely, dignified surroundings. Everyone is catered for except these cases. Our elderly have five-star care round every corner with homes fit for a king. Even foreign illegal immigrants are well catered for. Stray animals are also getting a care centre. This is all well and good, so why not the disabled?

It would be very positive to see something concrete in this direction coming from our main political parties and forming part of their manifesto and promises. These people are Maltese citizens too and the government has a moral obligation towards their health, care and well-being.