Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
505. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people engaged with the cost of disability consultation via the telephone service where an individual with sight loss or other disabilities that limits their ability to utilise the alternative methods of providing feedback were able to engage with the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50920/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people including a commitment 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 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.
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 open to everyone, promoted using a number of communication channels including accessible social media, radio, and printed media ads.
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 for sharing their valuable insights with us.
The submissions helped inform the agenda for the Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability, which I hosted in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May. It was attended by 150 people in person, with approximately the same number joining online.
The 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.
A Report of the Summit will be published and presented to the Delivery and Monitoring Committee which is Chaired by An Taoiseach. It will set out the key lessons learned and inform the next round of Action Plans under the Strategy. It will also feed into the Budget 2027 process. No decisions have been made on the design or format of a payment. We are continuing to engage with stakeholders through their Pre-Budget submissions and at the Pre-Budget Forum which I hosted on 1 July.
