Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
85. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which his Department will engage with stakeholders in the formation of a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15603/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the additional costs associated with having a disability and is committed to improving outcomes for disabled people. The 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. I will be hosting this Summit on 13 May.
Since October last my officials have met with several groups, including Disabled Persons Organisations, to discuss the cost of disability. In December, the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network was the main agenda item of my Department's Disability Consultative Forum. Officials from across government were also in attendance given that this is a whole of Government issue.
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. Members of the public can participate in the consultation by submitting written, video or phone contributions. The consultation is open to everyone, with particular engagement encouraged from disabled people, their families and carers, Disabled Persons Organisations and representative groups.
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. To support participation a range of accessible format are available. These include ISL videos, Easy to Read documents, screen-reader friendly Word documents, and Braille.
I am very pleased that we are already receiving submissions.
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.
