Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today, there is a group up from the Clonmel and District Wheelchair Society, led by volunteer driver Philip Meaney, some of whom are wheelchair users. I thank the staff of Leinster House, including the ushers, for being so helpful, as they always are but especially to these wheelchair users. The mobility allowance was cut ten or 11 years ago and has nearly gone off the agenda, and it was supposed to be replaced. Wheelchair users have huge issues with mobility and trying to get transport. One woman drives her daughter to Clonmel five days a week from County Waterford. Access to transport is vital to these people. There is no point in having a free travel pass if you cannot get the bus. Even for Bus Éireann, seats have to be booked a day in advance. These people do not have the liberties we have, whereby we can just walk onto a bus or whatever. The mobility allowance, or some form of it, should certainly be reinstated and, indeed, other mobility issues should be addressed. It is very important for these people to be able to live their lives. They are enjoying their day here today and they have asked the Taoiseach to meet them if he has a minute, although we understand if he does not. They are from all over the country in different groups lobbying on this issue and they need all the supports they can get.

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