Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection what new measures she plans to adopt to ensure that people with disabilities are not at risk of poverty due to the cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33167/23]
View answer132. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to introducing a cost of disability payment in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32969/23]
View answer149. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to provide for an ongoing cost of disability payment in Budget 2024, as opposed to a once-off payment, as a way to begin to address the inequality identified in the Cost of Disability in Ireland Report; for details of any analysis carried out by her Department in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32826/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 132 and 149 together.
The Indecon Cost of Disability 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. The findings of the research have implications for many areas of public policy. Based on this, one of Indecon's 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 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. A new national cross-Government strategy to succeed the National Disability Inclusion Strategy is currently being developed by all government departments and agencies. This is also intended to satisfy the Programme for Government commitment to develop a coordinated plan to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Cost of Disability report is an important element of the evidence base which will inform the scope and focus of the strategy.In Budget 2023, the social protection element sought to support people with disabilities and reflected some of the findings of the cost of disability report, through a mix of measures including a combination of lump sum payments, increases to income disregards, increases to core weekly payment rates and changes to the fuel allowance scheme.My Department has committed under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion to develop and consult on a Strawman proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments. The Strawman also intends to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report, the Pathways to Work report and the findings of the Cost of Disability Report. Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage and I expect to bring it forward for publication in the coming weeks. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
