Folks,
I am very familiar with this area so may I just clarify a few things? What we are referring to above is not 'disabled stickers' but in fact the Disabled Parking Cards. Also known as European Parking Cards, they may be used in the 25 EU states and in other countries. These special cards/stickers that are issued to disabled drivers and certain passengers. They entitle disabled drivers and certain passengers to park for free in public carparks (private carparks may also allow this, but they're not obliged).
To clarify, Disabled Parking Cards are issued not only by the Irish Wheelchair Association, but also by the Disabled Drivers Association. Disabled Parking Cards are not issued by these organisations on behalf of the Department of Transport, instead they are issued by these organisations on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Areas. (Formerly known as 'health boards').
Oasis have a very comprehensive document on the qualifying criterion for Disabled Persons Parking cards which I would suggest you read here:
Complaints regarding the abuse of Disabled Persons Parking Cards are taken seriously and both organisations are as much aware of potential abuse of cards as you all are. Abusing these cards is a serious matter and complaints should be made directly to either of the issuing organisations. Contact information available on their respective sites.
On a final note, might I add my voice to Rainyday and say that all disabilities may not be visible to the naked eye. Believe me however, the medical qualifying conditions for these cards are stringent and they are not given out willy nilly. Furthermore, you might also consider in future that these cards may be held on behalf of another person, or by a parent for example, in respect of a child.
I hope this has clarified matters.