Laois unsung hero campaigns for wheelchair users in Dáil

An award-winning Laois Unsung Hero took to the campaign trail in the Dáil as part of a fight by people with disabilities for a better deal from the Government so they can make ends meet.

Portlaoise Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) branch member Patrick Whelan travelled to Leinster House to call on the Government to address the cost of disability in Budget 2026

The IWA say that choosing between eating or heating is an impossible choice many people with disabilities in Laois and other counties face every winter in Ireland.

In its 2026 Pre-Budget Submission, IWA is urging the Government to introduce a realistic cost of disability payment for people in Laois and other counties. It says 92% of IWA members surveyed reported that they incur extra costs related to their disability. The Association says 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.

Evan Power from Portlaoise went to the Dáil with Patrick, who was named Laois Unsung Hero 2023 at that year's Community and Voluntary Awards.

He shared 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.

“I’m very good at budgeting and managing 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,” said Evan.

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The IWA submission 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
• Pay parity for Section 39 workers, who deliver vital disability services
• Investment in Personal Assistant services, accessible housing, and transport
• Resources to fully implement the National Disability Strategy Plan, once issued

Joan Carthy is the Advocacy Manager of Irish Wheelchair Association.

“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.

“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. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"Over half of our members state they do not have enough Personal Assistant hours. While progress has been made with the WRC's recent pay awards, until full pay parity and a strong workforce plan is in place, organisations like IWA will struggle to have enough people to deliver these and other services for people with disabilities," she said.

Other Key Points reported in IWA’s Survey include:

• · 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
• · 65% incur additional heating related costs

Ms McCarthy said there has good engagement with the Minister for Disability and the Department, but the Government must take action through funding and strategic planning for the future of people with disabilities in Ireland.