Malcolm Byrne
Question:764. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to introduce a cost of disability payment over the lifetime of the Government; and the way it will be calculated. [10362/26]
View answerTuesday, 10 February 2026
Questions (764)
Written answers
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment. In addition, under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input form Disability groups and advocates, it was agreed to establish a a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability. While it is led by my Department, it includes other Government departments in this cross-government endeavour, as well as disabled people and their advocates.
Officials have held meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network Summit as well as the possible form of a cost of disability payment. A public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered will be launched in the coming weeks.
This work will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. I have asked my officials to prioritise this work with a view to hosting the Strategic Focus Network Summit and bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of this year.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.