Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a commitment in the programme for Government to provide support to people with disabilities to maximise their potential by removing barriers to access services, education, work and healthcare. However, service users attending Drumlin House, a centre for people with disabilities in Cootehill, County Cavan, were stunned to receive a letter from the HSE last Thursday informing them that as of 1 April their transport service, which is provided by the LocalLink service, will now cost €4 for a daily return, which is €20 a week, and based on the education year in Drumlin House that is a total charge of €960 per annum for a person with a disability. Fortunately, people with a disability are supplied with a medical card and therefore a travel pass, but the travel pass is not accepted on the LocalLink service. When this charge comes into place, if these people cannot afford it, which will most likely be the case, they will be left at home. Will the Taoiseach investigate this letter has come from the HSE and ensure this new charge is abolished? It is a ludicrous charge that will result in people with a disability having to stay at home.

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