A plea from CEO Fiona Bolger
Last week, a heartbreaking story aired on Ireland AM, one that has deeply shaken all of us at Spinal Injuries Ireland (SII). It’s the story of Eoghan Gorman (26), a remarkable young man left paralysed after a mountain biking accident — and now, let down by a system that’s supposed to support him.
In my 10 years as CEO of Spinal Injuries Ireland, we have always managed to find workarounds, solutions, or stopgaps for the challenges our service users face. But today, I am making a direct plea for help — because in Eoghan’s case, we are at a loss.
Eoghan’s injury is high-level and catastrophic: he has no movement below the neck. He spent almost four years in hospital — first in the Mater, then in the National Rehabilitation Hospital — in part because no suitable housing was available but mainly in securing the care plan.
Throughout all of this, Eoghan never gave up. Despite his immense physical challenges, he remained determined to rebuild his life, contribute to society, and live with dignity. He is supported day-to-day by his incredible girlfriend, Saoirse O’Neill (26) , who works full-time as an office administrator and also acts as his unpaid carer for the 12 hours a day not covered by his care package.
But now, Eoghan faces an impossible new hurdle: his Disability Allowance has been stopped.
In October 2024, Eoghan’s only income — his Disability Allowance — was withdrawn after he and Saoirse were means-tested as a couple. The reason? Saoirse’s modest income as an office administrator is just over the household threshold. Despite multiple appeals by Eoghan and our team at SII, the Department of Social Protection has refused to reinstate the payment.
Eoghan, who worked full-time from the moment he left school until his accident, is not eligible for the Invalidity Pension because he doesn’t have enough PRSI contributions — another inflexible rule that fails to account for the reality of catastrophic injury.
Eoghan now receives no personal income — not even €1 a week. He cannot fund further training or education to re-enter the workforce, and he’s entirely dependent on Saoirse’s salary, despite his total physical dependence.
So what are the options for this couple?
- Should they separate, forcing Eoghan into full-time HSE care — which could mean a nursing home, because carers at home 24 hours per day is not guaranteed
- Should Saoirse give up her job, apply for Social Welfare, and take on full-time unpaid care?
- Or should Eoghan remain trapped — with no income, no independence, and no path forward?
These are not acceptable choices. And for a young man who wants to contribute, work, and live a dignified life — they are dehumanising.
Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2018. But in light of Eoghan’s situation, we must ask: is this system compliant with that commitment? Is denying a person with a severe disability basic income support because their partner works truly what we stand for?
This is not just about one man and his partner. It’s about a system that penalises people for love, for trying to live independently, and for refusing to give up.
We at Spinal Injuries Ireland are calling on policymakers, advocates, the media, and the public to help us find a solution. If you have expertise, ideas, influence — we are asking for your help.
Eoghan should not have to fight this hard for the basics. After surviving a devastating injury, he shouldn’t now be forced to battle for his future.
Any advice?
