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Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has criticised the Minister for Social Protection’s refusal today to withdraw insulting remarks he made during a recent Dáil debate on poverty levels being experienced by disabled people. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “Minister Dara Calleary claims he is engaging with Disabled Persons’ Organisations […]

Today’s announcement of a public consultation on the cost of having a disability should not distract from the fact that the government continues to ignore calls for an emergency winter payment for disabled people, according to Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “While I hope […]

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has called on the Minister for Social Protection to withdraw and apologise for misguided comments he made in the Dáil this morning during a debate on the cost of having a disability in Ireland. Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “During today’s debate on our […]

The Dáil will today debate a Social Democrats’ motion calling on the government to introduce an emergency winter payment of €400 for disabled people within a month. Eoin Hayes TD, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said: “Not only did Budget 2026 fail to include a cost of disability payment, it left disabled […]

The Social Democrats today called on the government to immediately introduce an emergency winter payment of €400 for people with disabilities. The call was made at briefing in Leinster House this morning, which was attended by representatives from the Disability Federation of Ireland, Access for All Ireland, and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Speaking at the […]