Disabled seek social welfare increase

The Irish Wheelchair Association has urged the Government to double the disability allowance in a bid to tackle poverty among disabled people.

Three-quarters of disabled people in Ireland currently receive social welfare payments, but still live below the poverty line.

Representatives of the Wheelchair Association told the Oireachtas Committee on Social Affairs today that as well as increasing the disability allowance, the Government should also establish support services to bring the disabled population out of isolation.