Budget a 'betrayal of disabled people', says disability federation

The Disability Federation of Ireland has gone a step further than the Irish Wheelchair Association in its reaction to Budget 2026, writes Ailbhe Conneely.

It described it as "a betrayal of disabled people, stripping away vital supports, deepening poverty".

It pointed out that the past three budgets have recognised the extra cost of disability through the Disability Support Grant.

The DFI said that by "taking this and other once-off payments away without a permanent replacement", it has estimated that disabled people stand to lose up €1,400.

"That's not spare cash, it's what keeps the lights on and the heating running," it said.