Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
434 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the research or if he has received submissions on the need to introduce a cost of disability allowance; if so, the details of same; his views or plans on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26619/06]
View answerA cross-departmental working group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF) has examined the feasibility of the introduction of a cost of disability payment. The National Disability Authority, on behalf of working group and in line with its own remit, commissioned research into the feasibility of such a payment. The purpose of this research was to advise regarding the additional costs incurred by people with disabilities, owing specifically to the direct or indirect costs of disability and the appropriate mechanisms or instruments by which to address such costs. The resultant report, Disability and the Cost of Living, was subsequently published by the Authority.
The group considers it vital that comprehensive data is available on which to base consideration of the introduction of a cost of disability payment, in addition to a structured process of the assessment of need. The working group recommended that steps be taken to improve the quality of data relating to disability in Ireland, for example, through adjustment of existing data gathering exercises undertaken by the Central Statistics Office or other relevant bodies.
The group also examined the scope for addressing barriers that exist for people with disabilities who wish to undertake or increase their employment and thus move to a position of greater economic independence. In this regard, as part of the Social Welfare Budget package 2006, I introduced a change to the withdrawal rate of Disability Allowance and Blind Pension for income in excess of the current earnings disregard level which means that a single person can earn up to a maximum of EUR390 per week from rehabilitative employment before their Disability Allowance or Blind Pension is fully withdrawn. The outcome of this change will be monitored to assess its effect on increased employment participation and to identify any further policy changes required.
In terms of ensuring adequate levels of income for people with disabilities, the new ten-year Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, includes a commitment to work for the continued enhancement and integration of supports. This will include a rationalisation of existing allowances for people with disabilities in the context of the Government's policy of mainstreaming and the transfer from the Health Services Executive to my Department of a number of disability-related schemes, including the Domiciliary Care Allowance, Mobility Allowance and Blind Welfare Allowance. Other issues around the cost of disability will be considered following the development of a needs assessment system provided for under Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005.
My Department's Disability Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005, contains actions in relation to the rationalisation of existing allowances for people with disabilities. The Plan also provides for agreed protocols with the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on actions required to ensure that income supports and associated benefits do not create financial barriers to people with disabilities participating in the labour force or availing of training, educational or other developmental opportunities.
I look forward to the implementation of the sectoral plan over the next three years and to continuing the commitment to expand and deliver services that best support, recognise and encourage people with disabilities as well as those who provide a caring role.
