Case study: Bernadette Cullen (34) has been on the Irish Wheelchair Association's waiting list for a personal assistant for the past year.
She had to give up her job at a playschool 12 months ago after her multiple sclerosis symptoms worsened and work became impossible. Since then she has been sitting at home.
She lives with her parents on the North Circular Road, Dublin, and is unable to leave the family home without assistance. As her parents go out to work she says she sits at home in "a state of depression" most of the time.
"It's mad. I've no one to bring me anywhere," she said.
"I used to be an active person. I only got MS when I was 21. Then I got weaker and weaker and about a year ago I asked the Wheelchair Association for a personal assistant. They told me I would have one soon but I'm still waiting. It's very depressing.
"I'm able to get myself up and dressed but I can't do anything else. I'm near blind as well. The nerves at the back of my eyes were attacked by the MS. I can't read or anything.
"It would improve my life enormously if I could have somebody to take me out. I would then be able to have lunch out or meet friends. I'm very strong willed. I like to do things," she said.
"I think it's mad in this day and age that I have to wait so long for assisted living services. I'm waiting too long. It's very depressing being stuck in the house all the time. Something has to be done about it," she added.
Ms Cullen stressed her family were very good to her but she could not depend on them all the time. Her father built an extension at the back of the house so she could live on the ground floor when she was no longer able to climb stairs.
But she believes it is time now for the State to play its part and provide a service which would allow her live independently.