Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
19. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on and response to a key conclusion in the Cost of Disability in Ireland research report that measures to address the additional costs of disability should be based on a multi-faceted approach involving increased cash payments, enhanced access to service provision and specific targeted grant programmes. [5145/22]
View answerThe Cost of Disability research findings are significantly broader than income supports and it is clear that this issue will not be addressed through income support alone. The research has implications for many areas of public policy including the delivery of care services, health, housing, education, transport and income supports. In order to implement an all-Department response, the Government has referred the report to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte. This Group has oversight of monitoring the key frameworks for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland and it is in this regard that the Government saw it fitting that this group would be the appropriate monitoring vehicle.
It will consider and monitor actions required by the various Government Departments on foot of this report on a bi-annual basis. All Departments have been asked to consider actions that are currently being implemented and any proposed new actions that they will be undertaking in the context of the findings of the Report.From the perspective of my Department, it is worth noting that a number of measures were introduced as part of Budget 2022 in relation to people with disabilities and their carers, which will go towards alleviating the financial costs experienced. These include a combination of core weekly payment rate increases, increases in earnings disregards as well as supports to employers. Furthermore, under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion my Department has a commitment to develop and consult on a ‘strawman’ proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments. I have asked my officials to revisit the ‘strawman’ proposal to take on board the findings in the Cost of Disability research.I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
