Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
483. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that people dependent on disability benefit are living significantly below the poverty line; the measures she will take to protect them against increases in the cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15768/23]
View answerMy Department provides a range of income supports for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
I introduced a number of measures as part of Budget 2023 to support disabled people to mitigate the impacts of the rising cost of living:
• Cost of living double payment paid in October 2022.
• €500 cost of living disability support grant paid in November 2022.
• €200 cost of living payment for people who receive the Living Alone Increase.
• €400 lump sum Fuel Allowance payment.
• Christmas Bonus double payment to all persons getting a long term disability payment.
• €200 for all persons getting a long-term disability payment in April 2023.
Also in Budget 2023 I introduced the following measures from January 2023:
• An increase of €12 in maximum rate of weekly disability payments. with proportionate increases for qualified adults and for people getting a reduced rate.
• Disablement Benefit was disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance.
• A €1 million expansion of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund.
• The earnings disregard for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension increased from €140 to €165.
• The means assessment threshold for Fuel Allowance increased from €120 to €200.
Separately the Government commissioned, and I published, an independent report on the cost of disability. This report showed that the cost of having a disability varied depending on the nature and extent of the underlying disability and that the approach to dealing with these costs was not simply a matter of increasing welfare supports but also involves the provision of services (education, housing, training, mobility services etc.).
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 – 2025 includes a commitment to develop and consult on a ‘strawman’ proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report.
Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.
I hope this is of assistance to the Deputy.
