Last year, however, the value rose by around 45 per cent to €3.26 million – paid out to around 2,450 people.

Kathleen Reilly and four of her husband’s family members in Athlone had a total of €366,000 in “undeclared” earnings and a €30,000 collection of designer clothes.

The pair are seeking a High Court order quashing the October 2024 decision made by the Department of Social Protection to refuse a review of an application made by the husband for an additional needs payment after their support was cut.

Inclusion Ireland chief executive Derval McDonagh said the budget abandoned disabled people living well below the poverty line