Laois Wheelchair Association takes its concerns to Leinster House

MEMBERS from the Laois branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) travelled to Leinster House to call on the Government to address the cost of disability in Budget 2026.

The Advocacy Manager of Irish Wheelchair Association Joan Carthy who led the delegation said: “Choosing between eating or heating is an impossible choice many people with disabilities face every winter in Ireland. Members of Laois IWA travelled to Dublin to call on the Government to finally address the cost of disability in the upcoming budget.” 

She said: In its 2026 pre-budget submission the IWA is urging the Government to introduce a realistic cost of disability payment.

In a survey Ms Carthy said that 92% of IWA members reported that they incur extra costs related to their disability. These span across equipment, heating, medical and transport, as people with disabilities often have to rely on costly taxis to get them to and from appointments.

The IWA’s survey also found that 89% reported that the Housing Adaptation Grant didn't cover the costs of the adaptation - 70% incur medical related costs. · 69% incur transport related costs - 66% incur equipment costs and 65% incur additional heating related costs.

Ms Carthy said: “Disability poverty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a system that fails to recognise and respond to the real costs of living with a disability. This budget must be the turning point. We need choice, not charity.” 

The submission made to Government draws from consultation with over 700 people with disabilities nationwide and makes urgent recommendations, including: A minimum increase of €78 in the weekly Disability Allowance (from €244 to €322). A Cost of Disability Payment to reflect the extra living costs incurred by people with disabilities and pay parity for Section 39 workers, who deliver vital disability services.

One IWA member from Portlaoise Evan Power, who travelled with the delegation, told how his heating bills reach up to €700 a month during the winter months. After paying his bills, he’s left with just €30 to live on during the summer but in the winter, he could be left with nothing.

He said: “I’m very good at budgeting and manage my money well, but the truth is, once I pay my bills, I have €30 left over each week.

“Being in a wheelchair with limited mobility means it’s harder to stay warm as my movement is limited, so in the lead up to and during the winter months, I’m totally focused on ensuring I’ve enough money to pay my heating bill, which can go up to €700 a month.” 

Ms Carthy said: “People with disabilities want to contribute, belong and live independently. But the cost of doing so is being ignored. Some members have told to us that they are having to choose between heating their homes or eating. Over half of our members state they do not have enough Personal Assistant hours.” 

She said: “We have had good engagement with the Minister for Disability and the Department, but this is the Government’s chance to take action through funding and strategic planning for the future of people with disabilities in Ireland.”