The IRFU has said that all 224 wheelchair-accessible tickets were sold for Ireland's Six Nations clash with France yesterday.
It said that the number of empty accessible seats in the Aviva Stadium was due to people not turning up.
In a statement, the IRFU said it is not unusual for people who have purchased all categories of tickets not to attend the fixture, but it said every attempt is made to reallocate seats once enough notice is given.
The IRFU was responding to criticism by the Minister with responsibility for Disability, who described the number of empty accessible seats in the stadium yesterday as "unacceptable".
In a tweet last night, Jack Kavanagh, who uses a wheelchair, said he was frustrated to see images of multiple empty spaces in the accessible section in the stadium.
He said he had tried to get tickets to the fixture months ago and was on a waiting list if any spaces became available, but received no response.
Incredibly #frustrated. I & numerous other #wheelchair users tried to get tickets to #IrelandvFrance & were told there were no accessible tickets left & put on waiting list/no response. Here is one of multiple #empty #accessible sections at the match today. Answers @IrishRugby?? pic.twitter.com/aqqsP1FJ6V
— Jack Kavanagh (@JackKavanaghIRL) February 11, 2023
In response to his tweet, which was widely shared online, Minister of State Anne Rabbitte said: "Accessibility cannot just be a tick the box exercise Irish Rugby.
"This isn’t just disappointing, it’s unacceptable. People expect more and deserve better."
In a statement this morning, a spokesman for the IRFU said: "The IRFU is aware that a number of supporters who were allocated seats in all categories of the stadium didn't turn up.
"This wouldn't be unusual for any fixture due to ill health, transport, travel etc.
"It is our priority to get as many supporters into our matches as possible - and every attempt is made to reallocate or resell seats once enough notice is given."
