Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
339. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of providing for cost-of-living supports for people with a diagnosis of dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/26]
View answer340. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of providing for cost-of-living supports for people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31507/26]
View answer341. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of providing for cost-of-living supports for people with a diagnosis of early onset dementia, particularly for those very much short of retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31508/26]
View answer342. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the financial support mechanisms in place for the over 4,000 people in Ireland that have early onset dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31509/26]
View answer345. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the support mechanisms that are in place for people that are diagnosed with early onset dementia and can no longer work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31517/26]
View answer348. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of classifying early onset dementia as a disability, specifically for the purposes of social welfare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31520/26]
View answer349. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of classifying dementia as a disability, specifically for the purposes of social welfare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31521/26]
View answer350. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of classifying Alzheimer’s disease as a disability, specifically for the purposes of social welfare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31522/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339, 340, 341, 342, 345, 348, 349 and 350 together.
My Department provides a number of income support payments for disabled people. Eligibility for these schemes is not dependent on the type or category of illness or disability. Rather, entitlement to these supports is contingent on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. A person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can qualify for these payments where they meet the qualification conditions.
Disability Allowance is a payment for people who are aged between 16 and 66 with an injury, disease or disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue, for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience or qualifications. The allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency requirement.
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment to people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability and are covered by social insurance. In order to qualify, a person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months, or be permanently incapable of work. The payment is payable up to age 66 where a person continues to satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Every application for the Department's schemes is individually assessed, in line with the provisions specified in the relevant social welfare legislation. In the case of disability related payments, the assessment includes the medical information provided by healthcare providers and the claimant, and takes into account the opinion of the Department’s Medical Assessor.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 provides for a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability which is a cross-government initiative.
On 20 February I launched a public consultation process on the cost of disability which ran until 7 April. I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received. I want to thank all the contributors for taking the time to make a submission and for sharing their valuable insights with us.
The Strategic Focus Network Summit, which I will host on 13 May, and the submissions made through the consultation process will help inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. 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 matter for the Deputy.
