The Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly says she is disappointed at a government decision to cut mobility payments to 5,000 disabled people, in response to a ruling from her office.

The Department of Health last night confirmed that it was axing the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant with immediate effect.

It has prompted an angry reaction from disability support groups.

 Scheme in breach of equality legislation

But the government says it had no choice after the Ombudsman found the scheme was in breach of equality legislation as it discriminated against the over-65s.

The Disability Federation of Ireland says the Mobility Allowance is means tested and is mostly paid to people who live on a disabillity allowance of under €190 a week.

Theresa Comagno from Enable Ireland is warning the cut could isolate people with disabilities.