Paul Murphy
Question:759. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the consultation process in relation to a cost of disability payment. [29066/26]
View answerTuesday, 28 April 2026
Questions (759)
Written answers
Supporting disabled people is a key priority for this Government. That is why the Programme for Government includes a number of commitments to improve the position of disabled people including a commitment to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment.
Under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from Disability groups and advocates, it was agreed to establish 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 in the Department of Social Protection have held meetings with a number of organisations, including Disabled Persons 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 was launched on Friday, 20 February 20th and ran for just over six weeks until Tuesday 7 April.
A full range of accessible formats was available to support public participation in the process. These include an Irish Sign Language video, an Easy-to-Read document, a screen-reader friendly Word version, and Braille. Submissions were accepted in writing by email or by post. Submissions could also be made by phone and video submissions including ISL video. The consultation was also promoted with accessible social media, radio, and printed media ads.
I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received. 87 submissions were from groups and organisations, with 12 from Disabled Persons’ Organisations and Disabled Persons’ Representative Organisations. Accessible ways to partake were widely used, with almost 60 submissions made over the phone, while 20 were received by post. Seven video submissions were also received. I want to thank all the contributors for taking the time to make a submission and sharing their valuable insights with us.
The submissions have helped inform the agenda for the Summit which I will be hosting in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th May 2026. It is an in-person event with online access also available.
The Strategic Focus Network Summit and the submissions made through the consultation process will help inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. This whole of government approach is important as addressing these costs is not simply a matter of income supports alone. Improvements in the delivery of, and access to, key services is also needed.
Following the Summit, a briefing paper will be produced outlining the key learnings and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of Government delivers in this area going forward and inform the future Action Plans under the strategy. The paper will also feed into the Budget 2027 process.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.