Mr. Leo Kavanagh:

I will explain something to Deputy Higgins. My physical disability is that my left leg is 10 in. shorter than my right leg due to congenital hip deformity. I wear surgical footwear with a 10 in. heel. I do not know if Deputy Higgins can see it, but it is like what the glam rockers used to wear back in the 1970s. Each year that costs me €1,700 or €1,800. I have to pay that out of my pocket because I am a PAYE worker. I am not entitled to a medical card. It is difficult at times. That would basically be a fortnight's salary for me. I am very lucky in that I live in a family home. If I had to pay rent and so forth, I would not be able to afford to pay for my footwear, which basically affords me the privilege of being able to get from A to B.