Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to what occurred at the meeting this morning of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters. Four witnesses attended who all have distinct chronic illnesses. They talked about their experience of having to grapple with an illness for which we do not have a consultant or specialist in the State. While grappling with their illness, they are charged with the requirement to go from Billy to Jack explaining to various specialists how their illnesses affect their nervous system and various organs. I call for the creation of a specialist one-stop-shop where people with long-term disabilities can get all the necessary information in one place. At this stage, we should have a bespoke template for alleviating the burden on people who have to find out absolutely everything themselves, including how to access benefits, pensions and invalidity - that is an appalling word - and disability benefits or supports.

This matter goes to the heart of the cost of disability. I know the Leader is in the process of scheduling a debate on this issue. The cost of disability is prohibitive. Someone who is already ill and getting used to what that means for their lives, for example, having to work shorter hours or give up work, then has to organise and pay for consultations and various supports to alleviate their circumstances. They have this added burden while their income is reducing.

A person with a chronic illness must reapply every year for the medical card. A chronic illness, by definition, is not going away so why must people reapply every year? Many people are being told they are not disabled enough to receive a primary medical certificate. Seriously, telling a person who is an amputee that he or she is not disabled enough is wrong. People who cannot access places need an automatic car and specialist services. We have not added to the illness list since 1972, which is nearly 50 years ago. The list should be reappraised. All of these issues need to be addressed urgently. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence.