Mobility Allowance

The ending the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant in four months time without coming up with an alternative allowance scheme shows a complete lack of respect for equality. These means tested allowances are predominantly paid to people with a weekly Disability Allowance of less than €190 a week. This decision by the government seems like a cost saving measure at the expenses of those who need to sustain independence the most. The Mobility Allowance is paid to people who have a disability and are unable to walk or use public transport. The Motorised Transport Grant is for people with disabilities who need to have a car or other vehicle adapted in order to enable them to drive and, as a result, earn a living. There is very little public transport in rural areas and indeed most towns. Isolation is a difficulty for many. This present announcement is causing stress and insecurity. We support disability by taking the dis out of disability and creating ability. These allowances are   a vital component to support independent living. May l suggest that the generous travel expenses paid to Dublin TD’s can instead be put to better use? 

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260