Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1506. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has examined the introduction of a dedicated support scheme for parents with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. These include non-contributory payments, based on a means test, such as Disability Allowance and contributory payments, based on PRSI contributions, such as Invalidity Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. The purpose of these payments is to provide income support for people experiencing specific contingencies that limit their ability to earn an income.
Disability Allowance is a long-term social assistance scheme for people who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to qualify, the person must satisfy a habitual residency condition, a means test and meet the medical requirement. The medical requirement for disability allowance is that the person's disability must be expected to last for at least one year, and the disability must substantially restrict their ability to work.
Invalidity pension is a long-term social insurance scheme, based on PRSI contributions and medical condition. In order to qualify, the 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 must be permanently incapable of work.
Where a recipient of Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension has child dependents they may also be eligible for a Child Support Payment which is paid in addition to a person's personal weekly rate of payment. Subject to the qualifying conditions Child Support Payments can be made until the child turns 18, or 22 if they are full-time education. Budget 2026, saw the highest ever increases in the Child Support Payment – an increase of €16 to €78 per week for children aged 12 or over, and of €8 to €58 per week for children under 12. These increases take effect from this month.
My Department supports all parents through the payment of Child Benefit which is paid at €140 per month in respect of each eligible child. The payment is paid up to age 16 or up to age 18 where the child remains in full time education or has a disability. In the case of twins, Child Benefit is paid and one-and-a-half times the normal monthly rate for each child. For triplets or other multiple births Child Benefit is paid at double the normal monthly rate for each child.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers and are available to anyone who needs then and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Any parent who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
