Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
93. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends to carry out a consultation process as part of her Department’s work on addressing the cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59207/22]
View answerThe Indecon Cost of Disability report was prepared following an extensive consultation with disabled people and disability stakeholders. This included one of the largest disability surveys ever undertaken in the State.The report identified that additional costs of disability run across a number of areas of expenditure including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, care and assistance services, mobility, transport, communications, medicines, and additional living expenses. Furthermore, Indecon found that there is not a single typical cost of disability; rather, there is a spectrum from low to high additional costs of disability, depending on individual circumstances.It is very clear that the findings in the research have implications for many areas of public policy. Based on this, one of Indecons conclusions is that a multifaceted, whole of Government approach is required to address the cost of disability.It is for this reason the Government decided that the report, and actions to be taken on foot of the report, should be considered and monitored by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
This group is chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, and is comprised of relevant departments, agencies, and a Disability Stakeholder Group.
The Disability Stakeholder group is comprised of persons who have expertise and lived experience of disability, who are appointed by the Minister of State for Disability - members serve a three-year period on the group.
In relation to my department, we engage extensively with the sector through, for example:
- Four meetings of the Departments Disability Consultative Forum a year. This forum was established in 1996.
- Four meetings a year of the departments Disability Consultative Committee, established under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
- The department's annual pre and post budget forums.
- The department's annual Carers Forum.
- Two meetings each year of the department's Community and Voluntary pillar group.
- Representation on groups such as the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group with representatives from the sector.
- Through the new Disability Participation and Consultation Network. This network was established and is being funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth as part of the States response to the UNCRPD.
My department will continue to engage with the sector on matters relating to the departments services and schemes for persons with disabilities.
