The Tanaiste is defending changes to housing grants for the elderly and the disabled.
Changes revealed today will increase the age and income thresholds for people applying for grants for adaptations to their homes.
Age Action Ireland has hit out at the move, saying it will make it harder for the elderly to stay in their own homes.
While groups representing the elderly and people with disabilities are expressing their concern over the changes to housing grants.
The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) says it is 'shocked and surprised' by the news which it has claimed will see changes to the criteria for grant assistance to modify peoples homes.
Martin Naughten is a disability campaigner with the DFI.
"The first thing is that we have to remember is that she has widened it for people up to 65" he said.
"Up to now it was typically people who were 60-plus went in for the housing improvement scheme - now they're being brought into the disability (scheme)".
"If they have a disability or any before they're 65, the pool of people that can apply has been widened" he added.
But Eamon Gilmore says the Housing Minister is making the system easier to access, and he is standing by Jan O'Sullivan.
The Minister for Housing earlier denied that cuts have been made to the grants for the elderly and disabled.
Jan O'Sullivan said changes have been implemented to ensure that the grants are given to those who need them the most but that more money has been made available to local authorities in those areas.
Minister O'Sullivan told Breakfast here on Newstalk earlier that the changes will make the system more efficient.
Meanwhile the Junior Finance Minister says cuts to housing grants will not force elderly people out of their homes.
Age Action Ireland says the cuts target the most vulnerable in society and will make it more difficult for older people to stay in their own homes.
The Department of the Environment made the changes on New Year's Eve. The cuts were outlined in a circular sent to all local authorities earlier this week and are effective immediately.
The Department argues that the moves will make the grants more focused, ensuring they get to the people who really need them.
Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes told Newstalk he does not accept that the changes will drive elderly people from their homes.
