A Government minister has ruled out a U-turn on a decision not to grant an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities.
Last month, the Social Democrats tabled a motion in the Dáil calling for the Government to introduce the payment of €400 within a month for disabled people.
However, the Government won the vote 81-66 on its countermotion that stated that the coalition was committed to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability support payment.
The Irish Wheelchair Association, Disability Federation of Ireland and Access for All will hold a national protest on Saturday 28 February, calling for the emergency payment to be introduced.
However, Minister of State Niall Collins today ruled out any Government U-turn on the issue, but outlined plans for the permanent payment.
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Speaking on Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra on RTÉ Radio 1, he said: "The Government fully recognises that people with disabilities face unavoidable and ongoing extra costs in terms of living, that is a fact.
"It is a significant priority within our Programme for Government that we introduce this new, permanent cost of disability support payment.
"It will be brought in and increase over time."
Asked if the Government would reconsider the emergency payment, he said: "That's not happening.
"If people are in financial need or financial distress, there are systems there...in relation to supplementary welfare allowance or exceptional needs payments, and we have increased, year-on-year, annually in every budget, all of the core welfare rates and support payments."
