Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2517. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding poverty among persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33638/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) results for 2016 shows that people in households headed by a person whose principal economic status is not at work due to illness or disability continue to experience higher at risk and consistent poverty rates than the general population. The survey also shows that social transfers play a very significant role in reducing poverty and that Ireland continues to be among the best performing EU countries in reducing poverty and inequality through spending on social protection. In 2018, expenditure on illness, disability and carers payments will amount to over €3.9 billion or almost one fifth of the total Departmental spend.
Given the continuing economic recovery throughout 2017 and the measures introduced in Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018, it is reasonable to expect future poverty statistics to show improvements. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the economic recovery is experienced in all regions and by all families, households and individuals.
The Government’s strategy for addressing poverty and social exclusion is set out in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. The action plan identifies a wide range of targeted actions and interventions to achieve the overall objective of reducing consistent poverty. The Department is reviewing the plan and it is the intention that the revised plan will be published in autumn 2018.
It is recognised that one of the best routes out of poverty and social exclusion is through taking up paid employment in line with a person’s capacity. The Government is committed to increasing the employment opportunities for people with a disability. The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities adopts a cross-government approach that brings together various measures, to be taken by different Departments and State agencies, in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on the employment of people with disabilities. The aim of the strategy is to increase the numbers of people at work, and the proportion of people with disabilities in a job. I can assure the Deputy that a reduction in measured poverty rates for people with a disability is a key priority of the Government. We will continue to keep the range of supports under review as well as implement the comprehensive employment strategy in order to secure better income and employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
The question of how to address issues around the cost of disability (also raised in the details supplied) raises cross-departmental concerns and I will together with my Government colleagues consider how to progress this in the context of overall consideration around the budget process.
An increase in the weekly personal rate of Disability Allowance (DA) by €20 (as suggested in the details supplied) is estimated to cost around €159 million per annum, and a €20 increase in the weekly personal rates of DA, Invalidity Pension and Blind Pension would cost around €228 million. Such a proposed increase in spending would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I hope that this answers the Deputy’s question.
