LIMERICK Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan has urged the government to rescind its decision to withdraw energy credits.
Deputy Quinlivan spoke after meeting representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association, Access for All, Rehab, and the Disability Federation of Ireland.
Campaigners for disability rights organisations protested outside Leinster House about the impact Budget 2026 had on those who live with a disability – who were left up to €1,400 worse off.
“Many of those I spoke to stressed that many of those living with a disability are afraid to heat their homes. The increase in the Disability Allowance did not keep up with inflation and the withdrawal of energy credits has made many worried about affording their utility bills,” Deputy Quinlivan said.
He said that research has shown that households with a disabled member require, on average, 52-59 per cent extra disposable income to achieve the same standard of living as a similar household with no disabled members. For households with a member who has severe limitations, costs can be as high as 93 per cent of their disposable income.
Deputy Quinlivan asked that an energy credit be introduced so all people can heat themselves over the winter months.
“Nearly 300,000 households are in energy arrears as household energy bills continue to rise. There is a real concern that the impact of this budget will be increased levels of poverty for those living with a disability. Figures from 2024 show that one in four people with a disability were at risk of poverty,” he said.