Mr. Damien Douglas:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to address it. As a father of two severely physically and intellectually disabled children, my family benefits from the disabled drivers and passengers scheme. We are thankful for this. My twin girls, Una and Ailis, fit the criteria for a primary medical certificate which qualifies them for the scheme as passengers. We need a specially adapted long-wheeled vehicle with lift and clamps to transport them. They are both in wheelchairs. Without this vehicle, the girls would be prisoners in their own home because it would be impossible to bring them together anywhere on a bus or taxi. They attend day services but we have to bring and drop them because transport is not provided.

Many family carers look after children and adults who are no less disabled than Una and Ailis but because they have the use of their hands and legs they do not qualify for the primary medical certificate and, therefore, cannot participate in the scheme. They are on disability payments, their family carer qualifies for carer's allowance or benefit and their disabilities are undeniable but they do not qualify because they do not fit the very restricted criteria as laid down in respect of the scheme. Those who are autistic or display severe behavioural issues do not qualify. Gigantism does not qualify but dwarfism does. Often in areas of the country where there is no or very limited public transport, these families have no other options for transport. Access to transport is very important to go shopping and attend day services, medical appointments, social outings and religious events. Not to have appropriate transport or access to it is another form of discrimination for people of all disabilities. It is a form of imprisonment.

"Buy your own car", you might say. We already know that most full-time carers barely make ends meet and may not be able to afford this huge expense. In our case, to provide the type of vehicle we, as a family, require costs more than €50,000. This is not luxury but a necessity. Having access to the drivers and passengers with disabilities scheme may enable families to afford transport that meets their needs and lightens their burden a little bit.

I thank committee members for their time and attention. Ms Cox and I look forward to answering any questions or queries they may have.