Tánaiste Calls For “Common Sense” As Kildare Woman With Stoma Bag Denied Toilet Use

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 12:12

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

The Tánaiste said the Government will consider Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall’s Bill, but added that “a bit of common sense” is also needed so people are not refused access to toilet facilities.

Tánaiste Simon Harris says the Government will examine proposals for a statutory ‘no-wait’ toilet-access card for people with Crohn’s disease and colitis.

He told the Dáil he has “a conflict of interest” as a Crohn’s sufferer himself, and confirmed he will speak with the Health Minister about the plan.

Deputy Wall - who also lives with Crohn’s - said almost 50,000 people in Ireland have Crohn’s or colitis, and many are repeatedly denied toilet access.

Over the weekend, a Kildare Woman said she was refused access to a toilet in a popular store, despite wearing a stoma bag and explaining her situation to staff.

Philomena said she was informed that staff belongings were in the toilet and told to use the nearby coffee shop.

She said she could be accompanied by a staff member but she was still refused.

"I was floored. I couldn't believe it," she said.

Speaking on Kildare Today, she said her card states that she has a medical condition but she is still being refused access to toilets in retail spaces.

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