Opposition parties criticise Government after disability cuts U-turn

Opposition parties have accused the Government of chaotic management of the health service after Minister James Reilly last night announced a climbdown on cuts in services for people with disabilities.

The U-turn came after disability groups threatened to hold an all-night protest outside Government Buildings.

Disability groups celebrated outside Government Buildings last night after the Government announced the U-turn.

Health Minister Dr James Reilly said that he would order the HSE not to cut personal care assistants from people with disabilities - and to find the savings elsewhere.

Labour party chairman Colm Keaveney, who had opposed the cuts, said he was satisfied with the announcement.

Opposition parties also welcomed the climbdown, but said that the Health Minister was guilty of chaotic management of the health service.

They also called for a further climbdown on cuts in home-help hours.