Disability group calls for end to means testing

A group representing people in Ireland with disabilities has warned that any cutback in the social welfare disability payment in the Budget will have disastrous effects.

People With Disabilities, Ireland (PWDI), has urged the Minister for Finance not to reduce disability payments.

At its annual AGM, the PWDI decided on a number of strategies which it has recommended to Charlie McCreevy.

Among them are the abolition of means-testing for disability benefits and increased fines for illegal parking in disabled parking spaces.