Ms Jean Hall:

Along with being a member of the disability action collective, I am a member of a drama group, Smashing Barriers, that brings our message and awareness to the local community of Ballyfermot and Chapelizod. It has helped me be aware of other people with other disabilities. I am a blind woman living in Chapelizod. As I was saying to Mr. Gore earlier, anyone looking at me who did not see a white cane in my hand would think I was fully sighted but a little clumsy. I was born fully sighted. My sight started going when I was in my teens. It got worse when I was in my middle 30s and right up until I was in my 40s. I am a registered blind person and find that, because there is not a good bus service from Chapelizod to Ballyfermot, I am prevented from becoming involved in the community. If I am not sure a bus is going to turn up, I use the local taxi service, which eats into my income. There should be a more regular service or a grant or mobility allowance to give those who need to use taxis some way of doing so without being left out of pocket or having to use all of their income to support other activities and be part of the local community. I find that a difficulty. It would put me off going out, although it has not as yet. I am prepared to work and find out whether there are more suitable buses to use.