The Government’s rejecting calls from the Opposition to reverse the budget cuts to the disabled, blind people and carers.

“Unfair and mean” is how Fine Gael’s describing the cuts of €8.60 per week in these social welfare payments.

Party leader Enda Kenny’s clashed with the Taoiseach Brian Cowen in the Dáil this evening.

“But don’t take it from them now – a short time before Christmas. These people, who have no voice” Kenny said.

The Taoiseach replied ” I accept that this is not an easy position for any government to be in”.

“But it was a necessary decision; it was part of the overall 4 billion requirement….It is simply part of a budgetary process that will have to continue in the coming year so we can get this country back to solvency” he added.