Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
83. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has engaged with the Minister for Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding the fiscal implications of introducing a cost of disability payment; and if provision is being considered within future Estimates. [1616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. 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.
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. I will be hosting this Summit on 13 May.
As this is a whole of Government issue, officials have engaged with colleagues in other Departments, including the Department of Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This engagement will continue and deepen as we get stakeholder feedback on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered.
Last Friday, 20 February, I launched a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment and the Strategic Focus Network Summit can best be delivered. It will run for just over 6 weeks closing on the 7th April. I want to all voices to be included in this consultation. I encourage any interested parties to visit gov.ie/COD, where they will find guidance on how to engage with the consultation in whatever format best suits them.
After the Summit we will produce a briefing paper outlining the key lessons and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of government delivers in this area. This will inform the next Programme Plan of Actions under the strategy.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
