The deputy of the Canary Nationalist Group (Coalición Canaria), Cristina Calero, defended this Friday in the Social Rights commission the trajectory and work of the entity ADISLAN, after the appearance held in the Parliament of the Canary Islands to address the situation of the center and its users in relation to the inspections of the services dependent on the Canary Government.
After the harsh accusations made by Nueva Canarias about the health deficiencies of the center last March, Calero regretted that the political debate has devolved into a scenario where "it is preferred to ask for forgiveness than permission". Likewise, he accused the Canarians of putting at stake "the reputation of the administrations, of public employees, of social entities and, what is more serious, the peace of mind of families".
On this line, the deputy was forceful in pointing out that "parliamentary immunity cannot be used to launch accusations of any kind without proof." Furthermore, she criticized that "very serious accusations about unhealthiness, health insecurity, or socio-sanitary neglect have been brought to a parliamentary commission without having verified the information or previously contacting the entity."
Calero reproached that social alarm had been generated among the most vulnerable families on the island. "A media tour was made creating unnecessary concern. Families found out through the media and that has consequences. There is anguish behind every irresponsible headline." He also questioned the use of audiovisual materials that "did not even correspond to this entity," and recalled that ADISLAN has always maintained an attitude of transparency, opening its doors to all parliamentary groups to show its work.
57 years of history
In contrast and as a deputy for Lanzarote, Calero wanted to highlight the trajectory of ADISLAN, an entity with 57 years of history, declared of public utility for 28 years, which has been a benchmark on the island in the comprehensive care of people with intellectual disabilities. "It is very difficult for someone in Lanzarote not to know the work that this entity does," she stressed.
The parliamentarian recalled that ADISLAN has been a pioneer on the island in the implementation of fundamental resources such as Lanzarote's only therapeutic pool, early attention services, family respite programs, or the first 24-hour housing resources aimed at fostering the autonomy of users. "It has reached where administrations have often not reached," she stressed.
Calero also denounced what he described as "institutional mistreatment" suffered by the entity during the last legislature with the socialist government presided over by Dolores Corujo, "which led the entity to a situation of economic asphyxiation". In this regard, he stressed that it has been in the current term when essential services have been recovered through social concertation, with total transparency on the part of the Cabildo de Lanzarote.
Lastly, the nationalist deputy defended that the quality of social care in Lanzarote is guaranteed “with rigorous technical work, with transparent management, and with real commitment,” and warned that “it will not be allowed for the honor of public workers or social entities to be called into question without proof.”
According to the parliamentarian from Lanzarote, politics must be exercised with responsibility. If there is the slightest indication of irregularity, the obligation is to go to the courts, not to use Parliament to generate unfounded doubts,” she stated. “Lanzarote does not deserve this type of politics, families do not deserve it, and the dignity of this Chamber should not tolerate it either,” concluded Calero.