Long wait on disability benefit

Marcel came from Romania three years ago to work in the building trade with a Co Tipperary employer.

Marcel came from Romania three years ago to work in the building trade with a Co Tipperary employer.

"After a year I brought my wife over, and everything was going well," he said.

Then, two years ago, he fell off a scaffolding and broke his leg very badly.

It was slow to heal, and, despite surgery, one fracture remains unhealed.

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"My wife was working for the same employer. She was working 55 hours a week for €2 an hour. We had to live on €220 a week."

The employer insisted that Marcel work and, although his injury was still being treated, he returned to work, being paid just €100 a week. He asked for more money but was refused, and was told his work permit would otherwise be rescinded.

He left, hoping to find work in Dublin, but discovered he had no right to work anywhere else. The gardaí kept his passport. He is at present on disability benefit, waiting for his situation to be resolved.