As has been mentioned already, as we speak there are people with disabilities protesting outside the gates of Leinster House because they are struggling with the cost of living. The hard reality is that in the budget the Government took away the supports that these individuals were relying on. People with disabilities are up to €1,400 worse off. The Government stripped away the vital supports they depend on to deal with the spiralling cost-of-living crisis. Those are not my numbers but the Irish Wheelchair Association's numbers. The Government shamefully left vulnerable people high and dry. This has caused serious anger, worry and stress for people with disabilities, many of whom are going to be forced into real deprivation. That is why they are gathered outside the gates of Leinster House pleading for the Government to introduce an emergency winter disability payment and do the right thing. Will the Government listen to the disability sector? Will it reverse its decision and introduce an emergency winter disability payment because these individuals cannot wait 12 months for it to get its act together?

Sentiment score: -0.33