Departmental Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2021

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Ceisteanna (446, 462, 464)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

446. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will publish a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29257/21]

Mark Ward

Ceist:

462. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the current status of the Cost of Disability report; the timeline for the publication of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29596/21]

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

464. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the publication of a report (details supplied) given that there is a mounting concern that the delay in publishing the report will negatively impact its consideration and inclusion in Budget 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29717/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 446, 462 and 464 together.

My Department has commissioned Indecon International Consultants to carry out research into the cost of disability.  I expect to receive the final report in the coming days.  I look forward to examining the findings of this very important report which will provide a valuable input to inform policy direction in relation to the adequate provision of supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities.  Given that this is a matter for the whole of Government, and considerably wider than the income support system, I will be bringing the report to the attention of my Cabinet colleagues for consideration in advance of its publication. 

A key element of the research was a survey undertaken by Indecon which was sent to a random sample of over 34,000 individuals in receipt of disability related payments.  It is worth noting that at the outset of the process, the target response rate to the survey element was 1,000 respondents.  However, a remarkable 4,700 responses were received from people living with a disability.  This represents one of the most detailed surveys ever undertaken in Ireland of individuals with disabilities.  Although the processing of such a large response extended the expected delivery time of the final report, I am satisfied that the longer time it took to conclude the project will have ultimately strengthened the research and increased the usefulness of the final report.

In line with the principles of consultation and engagement with the disability sector that have underpinned the conduct of this research project, it is my Department's intention to hold a briefing on the research with the relevant organisations at an appropriate time.  The input of these organisations has been invaluable to the research and survey work undertaken by Indecon. 

I trust this clarifies the matter at this time.