Mr. Michael Meere:

Good morning. I am from County Clare and I am a student at the National Learning Network in Raheen in Limerick. I thank everyone here today for the opportunity to speak about issues affecting people with disabilities in Ireland. I will focus on two of these issues - the cost of living with a disability and employment for people with disabilities.

I was a mechanic before my bike accident. I have had bones broken and spinal injuries. I have traumatic brain injury, Cauda equina syndrome, fibromyalgia and epilepsy, all which are not apparent. Sometimes, though, I require help and patience. I do not have a wheelchair, but I sometimes use a walking stick when I need to. Pain is a feature of my everyday life, one I have to manage.

I struggle to pay for the extra costs associated with my disabilities and I need help most weeks from my family. This adds to the anxiousness that I already experience. My medication is not entirely covered by the medical card. This adds an additional expense monthly. I have additional travel expenses, as my mobility and exhaustion require careful planning of trips. I am sure committee members can empathise with not being able to buy clothing, food or heating, and this is before you consider the impact of a simple thing like not being able to go to the cinema or socialise with your partners or friends.

I went back to university following my accident. I needed to retrain and upskill. I did this with additional supports and accommodations. Without those supports and accommodations, I would not have been able to complete my course. When I finished college, I got an intern job. I was medically assessed and deemed eligible for the partial capacity scheme, retaining 75% of my original payment and my secondary benefits for up to three years, after which there would be another assessment and the possibility of then being exited from the scheme.

This is very discouraging for someone who will continue to deal with the pain and expense of having a disability for life. Without these supports and accommodations I could not live on my income. I have the option to reapply, but for someone like me it adds to the stress and torment having to go through this process again and again. You do not lose your disability, but you could lose your payments. Thanks for taking time to listen to me. I am open to all questions.