Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
29. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that one in five (19.7%) people unable to work due to disability live in consistent poverty, that this is almost four times higher than the national average (5.3%); what measures will she take to lift people with disabilities out of poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9513/24]
View answerIn the 2022 Survey on Income and Living Conditions, the consistent poverty rates for persons unable to work due to long-standing health problems, was at 19.7%. However, in the recent published Survey on Income and Living Conditions data, that figure has now reduced to 16.5%, a reduction of 3.2 percentage points. While I am pleased that this rate is coming down, it is still higher than the general population.My Department provides a number of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability. These include insurance-based schemes, based on Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions, and means tested social assistance schemes. I have introduced many improvements across these schemes in my time as Minister for Social Protection. The personal rates increased by €29 per week over the last three budgets with proportionate increases for qualified adults. In addition, the income disregards which can be availed of by people receiving Disability Allowance or Blind Pension, have increased by almost 38% over the same period to a current level of €165.As part of Budget 2024, the Social Protection budget, which is the largest in the history of the State, will assist families and vulnerable citizens through a mix of lump sum supports and increases to weekly payments.Budget 2024 has provided the following supports for people with disabilities:
• €400 cost of living lump sum has been paid to people getting Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Blind Pension;
• €300 cost of living lump sum for those getting the Fuel Allowance, which was paid in November 2023;
• €200 cost of living lump sum to people who are getting a Living Alone Increase;
• Christmas Bonus double payment to all persons getting a long-term disability payment;
• From January 2024 there has been an increase of €12 in maximum personal rate of weekly disability payments;
• A cost of living double week bonus for people getting a weekly social welfare payment, was paid in January 2024;
• Provision for Free Travel Scheme for those medically certified unfit to drive;
• Reduction in the minimum weekly hours threshold from 21 to 15 hours for employers to avail of the Wage Subsidy Scheme, which came into effect in April.
The Taoiseach has placed a major emphasis on improving supports and services for people with disabilities in all aspect of their lives. He has announced his intention to establish a special Cabinet Committee on Disability.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
