Willie O'Dea
Ceist:102. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the proposed annual cost of the disability support payment. [50674/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 25 September 2025
Ceisteanna (102)
Freagraí scríofa
Among the key points made in the Indecon report on the cost of disability in Ireland was the fact that the costs of disability vary based on the type of disability a person has, and the impact that disability has on their daily lives - including through their needs for heating and lighting, transport, medication, therapies and treatment, housing adaptations, and education and employment supports to name just a few.
We know, therefore, that addressing the cost of disability won't be solved simply by providing higher payments via the social welfare system. The delivery of and access to services is also key.
This is one of the reasons why the Taoiseach has set up a Cabinet Committee on Disability and a dedicated programme office within his own Department - to make sure that the Departments and agencies of Government step away from their silos and work together to address this issue.
It is also why the recently published National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 takes a whole-of-Government approach. The publication of this strategy is a key Programme for Government commitment. It sets out 123 actions assigned to key Departments.
It also places the responsibility on the Department of Social Protection to lead a cross Government Strategic Focus Network on the issue of the cost of Disability, and to include people with disabilities and their advocates on this network, as partners in the work. I have asked my officials to expedite the establishment of this network with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of 2026.
In the meantime, I am engaged with my colleague Minister Jack Chambers to explore what might be feasible in the forthcoming budget. As the Deputy will be aware, the last number of Budgets, included some specific measures to assist disabled people with the rising cost of living. As part of Budget 2025, for example, a €400 Disability Support Grant for people in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Blind Pension, was paid in November 2024. together with a €12 increase in the maximum personal rate of weekly disability payments from January 2025.
In addition, we have taken a range of measures to help people with disabilities secure and maintain employment including changes to the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the implementation of an early engagement outreach process within the Department to link people with disabilities with dedicated employment advisors, and the introduction of a new range of Work and Access supports.
I, and my Government Colleagues, are determined to build on this work through implementing the commitments in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.