The Dáil has rejected a motion calling for changes to social welfare entitlements for widows to be reviewed. On a vote, the motion was rejected by 69 to 54.
However, the Government has said the controversial changes will be reviewed, and that if there are circumstances of hardship, the Government will respond.
Earlier today, the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan, reiterated that she would review controversial changes to entitlements of widows.
On RTÉ radio this afternoon, Ms Coughlan said she had met representatives of the National Association of Widows last night, and listened to their concerns on the matter.
She said she told the association that she would review the issue and get back to them in 'a short period of time'.
The National Association of Widows is angry at recent social welfare changes, which remove their entitlement to half the disability or unemployment rate, on top of their main widows' pension.
They have been campaigning to reverse the change, which affects up to 2,000 people and will save the Government €5.8m.
