Dr Ambrose McLoughlin is appearing before the Oireactais Health Committee, which will also hear from The Centre for Independent Living - a group that has slammed the decision saying it will isolate people from their communities - and will prevent them getting to work and school.

The Department of Health last week said it was stopping the allowance because the way the scheme is operated was found by the Ombudsman to discriminate against people who are aged over 65.

The government insists that the scheme was illegal and had to be pulled - it says it will ringfence money earmarked for the allowance - while a fairer scheme that does not discriminate is introduced.