Some disabled people are sitting in dark, freezing cold homes with no money to feed themselves.
The Dáil has heard some cannot even afford to charge their wheelchairs as calls have been made for a new €400 emergency winter payment for those with disabilities.
Cork member of the Irish Wheelchair Association Johnny Murphy says making ends meet is impossible:
"You turn off the heat, simple as that, it's either food or heat and the first thing to go is the heat. Disgusted to be honest with you, we should be looked after, we're not asking for handouts, we're asking for assistance and we're not being assisted, and that's wrong on so many levels you know."
