As part of Budget measures 2019, it was announced that my Department would commission research into the cost of disability. This is the first step in reaching an in-depth understanding of this complex issue.
Indecon International Consultants have been commissioned to carry out the research and are expected to submit a final report later this year. Their work programme to date has included the following elements:
- An review of existing international research, including approaches to defining ‘cost of disability’ and government responses to costs of disability.
- Examination of submissions from representative organisations. Indecon propose to have follow up discussions with organisations that have made submissions.
I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy was invited to, and has made, a submission.
As part of the “mixed-method" (top-down and bottom-up) approach to this research, a range of methodologies will be used, for example, the Standard of Living (SOL) approach using econometric analysis of data from household survey data to estimate a model linking living standards to incomes.
In addition, the study will utilize a direct measurement method using survey based data of the experience of people with disabilities. As part of the stakeholder engagement element of the research, a survey will shortly be issued to 33,000 recipients of DEASP disability-related payments, including people who are blind or visually impaired. This will be followed up by structured interviews with a small sample of persons with a disability or with their families. This very large sample is designed to ensure that the different costs incurred by individuals with a disability are taken into account.
It is expected that this research, when complete later this year, will inform policy direction in the future – from a whole-of-Government perspective – in relation to the adequate provision of support to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.