Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
91. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to address the findings outlined in the Cost of Disability report; the way social protection payments will be reformed to support persons with a disability; the timeline for this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5328/22]
View answerThe cost of disability is significantly broader than income supports and it is clear that it will not be addressed through income support alone.
The findings of the research have implications for many areas of public policy including the delivery of care services, health, housing, education, transport and income supports so a whole-of-Government perspective is needed. As such the Government has referred the report on the Cost of Disability to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.
This Group has oversight of monitoring the key frameworks for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities. It will consider and monitor actions required by the various Government Departments 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 some way 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.
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 research. The associated timelines will be reviewed in the context of National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group reporting mechanism.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
