'Our messaging is fact': Disability groups hit back at minister over 'food or heating' claims

The social protection minister said: 'I do not want a misleading and dangerous message to go out that people must choose between food and heating.'

A demonstration outside Leinster House in December by the Disability Coalition warning of the 'heating vs. eating' crisis where it was highlighted that Budget 26 left disabled people €1400 worse off. File photo: Gareth Chaney

Disability groups have hit back at claims by the social protection minister that people with disabilities are not having to choose between food or heating their homes.

Mr Calleary was speaking during a private member's motion on the emergency winter payment for disabled people, brought by the Social Democrats.