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Disability Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2018

Thursday, 19 April 2018

Questions (334)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

334. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the age for progress to disability allowance will remain at 18 years in view of the fact changes would have a significant financial impact on families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17330/18]

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Written answers

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to recommendations made in the “Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities” report. Following a commitment made in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities 2015 -2024, the “Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities” report was published in April 2017. The report undertook to better identify how people with disabilities could be supported to achieve their employment ambitions.

A national consultation process has recently concluded which was organised to engage people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and sectoral representatives to seek their views on specific recommendations in the report.

The consultation reflects a commitment made at the time of the publication of the MWP report to consult widely with persons with disabilities and their families in relation to the recommendations about the principle of early engagement and a proposed reconfiguration of the Disability Allowance payment. One MWP recommendation is to support young adults through education, training and social inclusion according to their capacity, and to change the qualifying age for disability allowance from 16 to 18 years of age while leaving Domiciliary Care allowance in payment where applicable to 18 years of age.

The national consultation process concluded on April 13th and now will be followed by further consideration of the results with a stakeholder focus group. This group comprises of persons with experience of disability issues and was established last September and has helped my Department with the design of the national consultation process.

I together with my Government colleagues, look forward to learning the outcome of the consultation process in due course.

I hope this clarifies the issue for the deputy.

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