Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
920. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in line with Action 62 of the Autism Committee’s Final Report, she has plans to introduce a non-means tested, targeted cost-of-disability payment for autistic people and disabled people with high levels of expenditure due to their autism diagnosis or disability; and the estimated first- and full-year cost, respectively, of implementing this proposal. [57309/23]
View answer922. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in line with Action 64 of the Autism Committee’s Final Report, she has plans to introduce specific targeted supports for those with the highest additional costs due to disability, including autism; and the estimated first- and full-year cost, respectively, of implementing this proposal. [57311/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 920 and 922 together.
The 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 report's conclusions was 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.
The work of the Steering Group, chaired by the Minister of State for Disability, was due to end in 2021 but was extended to the end of 2022. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are in the process of developing a new disability strategy which will be informed by the Cost of Disability report. Officials in my Department will contribute to the development and implementation of this strategy.
A number of measures introduced as part of Budget 2024 to support people with disabilities and carers, reflect some of the findings of the Indecon report and has alleviated some of the costs experienced. These measures include:
• Additional funding to include provision for Free Travel Scheme for those medically certified unfit to drive.
• A reduction in the minimum weekly hours of work from 21 to 15 hours for employers to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
• An increase in the Carer's Allowance income disregard to €450 for a single person and €900 for a couple.
• A €400 cost of living lump sum paid to people getting a Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Blind Pension.
• A €300 cost of living lump sum for those getting the Fuel Allowance.
• A €200 cost of living lump sum to people who are getting a Living Alone Increase.
• A Christmas Bonus double payment to all persons getting a long-term disability payment.
From January 2024 there will be an increase of €12 in maximum personal rate of weekly disability payments, with proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate. Domiciliary Care Allowance will increase by €10 a month, and a cost of living bonus will be paid in January 2024.
However, despite the measures in the recent budget, there is still a need to reform our system of disability payments to better target supports and better account for the cost of disability. In September, I published the Green Paper on Disability Reform to begin the conversation about improving these supports and further addressing the cost of disability.
The aim of the Green Paper is two-fold. First, it seeks to better insulate disabled people who cannot work from poverty by providing for higher rates of payment. Second, it seeks to support and encourage a higher level of employment for people with disabilities by tailoring the provision of employment supports to suit a person’s capabilities.
I would like to emphasise that the Green Paper is not a final design. It is only a starting point for a structured discussion on what the future of long-term disability payments could look like. It offers one possible approach on how to target limited resources - its proposals are intended to invite discussion, debate and suggestions.
I encourage all those with an interest to express their views in our public consultation by making a submission in writing or by video. It is essential that we hear from as many disabled people and representatives as possible. I have extended the consultation period until 15 March 2024 to ensure everyone has adequate time to make a submission.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
