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Around 400 people attend disability rights protest in Dublin

A protest in Dublin for the introduction of an emergency disability payment (Pic: Ailbhe Conneely)
Protestors in Dublin today calling for a new emergency disability payment

Up to 400 people have attended a protest in Dublin on the cost of disability.

Organisers say that Budget 2026 delivered "a devastating blow" to disabled people; leaving them up to €1,400 worse off annually following the removal of vital support payments.

They have called for the immediate introduction of a emergency disability payment of €400.

The Programme for Government has committed to introducing a permanent disability support payment annually and a public consultation is underway to examine what approach should be taken.

However, disability activists say this is a distraction from their current and immediate needs.

The coalition on disability which includes the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and Access for All Ireland say disabled people are being pushed further into hardship because of delayed action by government.

This, they say has resulted in them having to choose between eating or heating their homes.

They have called on the Government to introduce the €400 emergency payment immediately.

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