Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for joining us this morning. This is an issue that often lands on our desks. We get many queries and representations from people in regard to primary medical certificates and the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme. I do not have many specific questions. I thank the witnesses for educating us, particularly in respect of the UK scheme. It seems to be based on common sense. Every week, we come in here and learn a little more, which I very much appreciate.

We have noticed a few themes with all the contributions. Many people are excluded from current schemes. If they do have access to them, the schemes are not fit for purpose. There is no flexibility within any of the schemes and their implementation, for the small percentage of people who make up the cohort that can access them, there is a double taxation on the adaptation work. It is, in a way, a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and penalising people in that way. Participants must continuously work to improve their situation when, in many cases, sadly, people's situations do not improve but, in fact, deteriorate. When I got a car in my early 20s, my independence was greatly improved and, all of a sudden, I was able to live a life away from the curtailments of my family. What right do I have above someone else to be able to do that? The fact people do not have access to that independence, flexibility and choice is embarrassing for me. I am no greater than anyone else and I should not have more access to something just because of my circumstances. I find that infuriating.

Ms Cox spoke about the uncertainty for family carers. A woman came to me recently who had taken on extra hours in order to upgrade the family car and be able to care for and transport her mother a little more easily and comfortably. Then her carer's allowance was cut. She was penalised for the few hours she had taken on in order to survive and improve the circumstances for her family and the person for whom she is caring. It is heartbreaking to see that and have to say I am unable to help because of the rigidity, inflexibility and uncertainty in the scheme. One does not know what one will get. How dare people try to improve their situation by getting a pay increase or working a few extra hours. People are being penalised, to the detriment of their family, for trying to help themselves. It is nonsensical to me.

We have a lot of actions to implement. We launched our pre-budget submission yesterday and transport is one of the key areas. It continues to be one of the key issues we work on in our constituencies and in this committee. I thank the witnesses for educating us this morning on some of the practicalities of their own situations and the practicalities of situations and schemes in the UK. We are waiting long enough for improvements and serious action is needed now. Go raibh maith agaibh.