DFI shocked by move to axe Mobility Allowance

The government is to axe the Mobility Allowance which is paid to people with disabilities to help them meet their transport needs.

The Disability Federation of Ireland has said that it is shocked by the move.

It said the means tested allowance is mostly paid to people with a weekly Disability Allowance of less than €190 a week.

It follows a report by the Ombudsman, which found that the Government was not in compliance with equality legislation because those over 65 were not eligible for the payment.

The Disability Federation estimates that 4700 people with disabilities and their families will be affected by cutting the payment, which will be withdrawn within four months.

John Dolan of DFI said that the Ombudsman's findings should not be used as an excuse to cut the vital payment…