Anger as Coughlan told constituents of budget U-turn early

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan has come under further criticism by the opposition who accused her of causing confusion among disabled people over what they would be entitled to under Budget 2009.

Ms Coughlan met representatives from the Down Syndrome Association in Donegal last Saturday and told them they could expect a U-turn on cuts to the Disability Allowance announced in the budget. This was two days before disability groups met Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin to discuss the issue.

On Thursday afternoon, Ms Hanafin announced the cuts would be reversed and the increase of the eligibility age from 16 to 18 years would not go ahead.