Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
109. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the full year cost in 2016 of increasing the disability allowance by €6, €7, €7.50 and €8 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1990/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance is a means-tested social assistance paid to persons who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment arising from a medical condition (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). The estimated cost in 2016 of increasing the weekly rate of Disability Allowance by €6.00, €7.00, €7.50 and €8.00 is detailed in the following table.
|
Increase in the weekly rate |
Estimated Cost in 2016 (full year) |
|
€6.00 |
€39.5 million |
|
€7.00 |
€46.1 million |
|
€7.50 |
€49.4 million |
|
€8.00 |
€52.6 million |
There is an analogous social insurance payment, Invalidity Pension, which is paid to persons who are permanently incapable of work (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). A €1 increase in the weekly rate of Invalidity Pension would cost €3.2 million in a full year.
These costs include proportionate increases for qualified adults, where applicable.
