Disabled people on training schemes across Donegal must now dig into their own pockets after the Minister for Health removed their free transport.
The move has been slammed as a disgrace by Sinn Fein who have demanded Minister James Reilly now reverses his decision.
Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn raised the matter in the Dail after the HSE admitted free travel passes could not be used to get to training schemes.
He said the new cost-cutting measure simply added to the burden of disabled people in the county.
“The decision to remove free transport for disabled people travelling to training day centres in Donegal is disgraceful.
“The Minister’s insistence on introducing a €3 charge on these routes is a further burden to disabled persons who have already faced two cuts to their income over recent budgets, with their income being reduced by €16 already.
“If they have to pay this bus fare, it will result in a 15% loss in income for the most vulnerable in recent years. It is completely unjustifiable and must be overturned.”
Deputy MacLochlainn’s colleague, Cllr Jack Murray said the move was an attack on the weakest in society.
“Disabled people in Donegal often travel considerable distances to training centres due to the large rural nature of our county.
“For the HSE to inflict charges on disabled people who have no choice but to use public transport is extremely unfair.
“This is an added tax on people who receive just €188 a week and is simply an attack on the most vulnerable in our society. Minister James Reilly needs to intervene immediately and overturn this outrageous decision.”
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