Written Answers Nos. 734-754
736. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when announcements will be made in relation to the Community Heritage Grant and the overall budget available for this scheme in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Heritage Grant Scheme is a programme of the Heritage Council, which is responsible for decisions on funding and timeframes.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie.
737. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to his Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied. [35084/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe basis for calculating the total amount to be levied from my Vote Group or any other is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The levy may be raised from any items in my Vote Group’s current budget allocation for 2027, subject of course to contractual commitments, policy priorities, etc.
The specific areas to be levied are yet to be determined. The matter is currently under consideration and I expect that my Department will agree the details in due course with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
738. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will sign an activity requiring consent in respect of three bogs (details supplied) to allow families to cut turf providing them with fuel for the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35138/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), commonly known as “the Habitats Directive” requires Member States to select sites, for the protection of habitats and species which are considered threatened in the EU territory and listed on the annexes to the Directive. Annex I of the Habitats Directive includes priority habitats such as active raised bog, which are considered to be in danger of disappearing within the EU.
Under the Habitats Directive Member States shall take appropriate steps to avoid, in the Special Areas of Conservation, the deterioration of natural habitats.
These protected Special Areas of Conservation are wetland ecosystems of high ecological value. The main threats to their conservation arise from any actions that remove the vegetation, drain water and cause them to dry out. In the case of Active Raised Bog (peat forming areas which is an Annex 1 habitat under the Directive), mean water levels need to be near or above the bog surface for most of the year in order for it to survive. Turf cutting involves the direct removal of peat and the vegetation on top. In addition, drainage associated with the activity compromise the hydrological integrity of these bogs, leading to the lowering of the water table. These changes to the bog structure result in the loss of the unique raised bog ecology.
Arising from this legal obligation on the State to ensure that these sites are adequately protected and due to the damaging effect of turf cutting and associated drainage on these protected bogs, as Minister I am legally prohibited from granting consent for activities which would have an adverse effect on the integrity of these sites.
739. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how three bogs (details supplied) were designated special areas of conservation when the statutory instrument for each one was signed well after the required timeframe set out in Article 4, section (4) of the Habitats Directive, as ‘within 6 years of 1997’; how such statutory instruments can be valid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all European Member States, is bound in law by the requirements of the EU Nature Directives which are designed to ensure the protection of certain habitats and species within sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). The sites chosen for designation under the Directives are those which are significant from a conservation perspective not just at a national, but at a European level.
The designation of sites under the Nature Directives is a formal, legal process, with a number of steps, which are set out in full in S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. All sites are considered European Sites under the regulations from the time that they were first notified.
Ardraigue Bog SAC (site code: 002356) was first notified in December 2002.
Barroughter Bog SAC (site code: 000231) was first notified in March 1997.
Cloonmoylan Bog SAC (site code: 000248) was first notified in March 1997.
740. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is planned to establish the proposed new Countryside Forum for Nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is conducting a review of all Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), including the MOU with the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC).
In the context of other demands and the number of similar fora already in place, and in which NARGC is an active and a valued participant, the interim conclusion is that a further forum is not a value-for-money deployment of taxpayer funded civil service resources. Accordingly a Countryside Forum for Nature will not be established at this time.
741. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the unilateral suspension of the Sustainable Hunting of Wild Bird Stakeholder Forum; if he will arrange for the reconvening of the forum and/or the appointment of a new chair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Hunting of Wild Birds Stakeholder Forum was established in 2024 to facilitate engagement with relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring that the hunting of wild bird species in Ireland is in line with EU and national laws and regulations, through the development of collaborative action and improving mutual understanding and trust.
The Forum has met eight times, seven of which were in-person, with significant commitment from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. I am aware of the recent suspension of the Forum by the independent chairperson to allow for discussion with members around future engagement. A decision will be taken in due course on the reconvening of this Forum, pending the conclusion of these discussions.
The Chair has reaffirmed that he believes the Forum can have a very important role in shaping policy around sustainable hunting of wild birds.
The NPWS remains fully committed to working with stakeholders, as it is only through collective collaboration and trust that we can successfully achieve Ireland’s conservation and sustainable hunting objectives.
742. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what stakeholder groups or organisations have not yet been contacted in relation to any review of their Memoranda of Understanding with his Department; the reason for any delay in commencing such engagement; the timeline for completion of the review process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35152/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra744. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify his recent statement that the Department plans to review all existing Memoranda of Understanding it holds with external organisations; whether it is applicable to every MoU agreed with his Department; whether he can confirm all stakeholders involved have been notified; the expected timeline for completion of these reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35188/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra747. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of Memoranda of Understanding currently held between his Department and stakeholder groups or organisations; the criteria being used to assess existing agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 742, 744 and 747 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department currently maintains Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with a range of partner organisations across the public, voluntary and community sectors.
These MoUs support cooperation, information-sharing, and the effective delivery of services. These are subject to structured and periodic review to ensure they remain current, proportionate and fully aligned with statutory requirements and organisational priorities.
The review process typically involves the following four stages:
Internal Assessment: Examination of each MoU’s purpose, scope, and operational relevance.
Stakeholder Engagement: Consultation with the partner organisations to obtain their views on the relevance, effectiveness, and future direction of the MoU.
Drafting and Revision: Updating the terms of the MoUs where necessary to reflect current practice, governance standards, and legislative obligations.
Approval and Publication: Finalisation of the revised MoUs, followed by approval through the NPWS’s governance structures
The NPWS works with partner organisations as part of each review process and provide opportunities to a collaborate approach, seek clarifications and propose amendments.
Review timelines for each MoU are managed case by case and in line with organisational priorities and governance requirements, ensuring all agreements are examined against defined criteria and maintained to the required standards.
743. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that he brought a memo to cabinet on 21 April 2026 on the retrospective funding of OMCs who have already funded the remediation of celtic tiger era building defects. [35187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra749. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the eight pathfinder projects due to receive retrospective funding for building defects remediation; including a detailed update on where each pathfinder project is at; and the funding that has been approved and the outstanding issues to be addressed before funding will be released. [35328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 749 together.
On 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise from a representative sample of eight multi-unit developments, in order to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed.
It was agreed that the Minister would return to Government before any retrospective payments are made to update on the outcome from the pathfinder exercise including an estimate of costs for the retrospective aspects of the scheme, based on lessons learned from the pathfinder exercise.
The Housing Agency received a large volume of documentation from the respective Owner Management Companies (OMCs) which is being used to help identify an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly. In particular, the Pathfinder Exercise supports development of a robust process around:
• Alignment with the existing Interim Remediation Scheme processes;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframes;
• Certification and Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment processes.
The Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise is now complete. A Memorandum for Government was brought to Cabinet on 21 April 2026 and approval was received on a number of policy recommendations on Retrospective Grant Payments.
These policy recommendations will now form part of the drafting process and will be incorporated into the statutory scheme which is expected to be published by the Summer.
745. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application has been made to the Housing Activation Office in respect of the next section of the Athenry Ring Road; when a decision is expected to be made on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2026, the Government launched the new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to support direct investment in the critical infrastructure needed to unlock housing delivery in towns and cities across the country.
The HIIF is a multiannual €1 billion fund and will be managed by the Housing Activation Office in my Department. It represents the largest housing infrastructure investment announced by the State in many years. The fund is designed to address infrastructure constraints that are preventing or delaying housing development, particularly in locations where housing can be delivered at scale and at pace.
Call 1 of the HIIF opened for applications from local authorities and the Land development Agency (LDA) on 21 January 2026 and closed on Friday 27 February 2026. Applications have been received from local authorities across the country, including Galway County Council, and from the LDA. I can confirm that an application has been received for the Athenry Northern Relief road. Confirmation of receipt of this application issued to Galway County Council on 6 March.
The Housing Activation Office team is actively reviewing all applications received against the scheme criteria and recommendations will be brought forward shortly in accordance with the governance arrangements for the fund. As this process is ongoing I am not in position to comment on any specific application.
746. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any local authorities requested additional funding for Housing Adaptation Grants so far in 2026; if he is aware that several local authorities have already closed applications for housing adaptation grants, citing their total funding for the year had already been allocated; to provide a breakdown, by local authority, of Housing Adaptation Grant funding allocations for 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of grants approved and refused in each county; the way in which these allocations compare with population levels, including the population aged 65 and over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35220/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2026 increased substantially by €30 million to €129.5 million, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department is aware that some local authorities have paused the acceptance of priority 2 and priority 3 applications but are continuing to consider priority 1 applications. Priority 1 is defined as individuals who are terminally ill, primarily dependent on family or a carer, or where adaptations to the home would support applicants leaving hospital or residential care.
My Department works closely with local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity and my Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year. My Department is actively engaging with local authorities to facilitate redistribution of any such savings as early as possible this year. One local authority applied recently for an additional Exchequer allocation. My Department is giving consideration to this request and will make a decision in this regard in due course.
Details on the original Exchequer allocations for 2025 are available on my Department's website at the following link: 13,000 older and disabled people to benefit from over €117 million Housing Adaptation Grant funding (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/13000-older-and-disabled-people-to-benefit-from-over-117-million-housing-adaptation-grant-funding/). The final drawdown per local authority for 2025 will be published shortly on my Department's website. Details on the allocations for 2026 are available on my Department's website at the following link: Increased funding of almost €130m announced to improve homes for older people and disabled people (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/increased-funding-of-almost-130m-announced-to-improve-homes-for-older-people-and-disabled-people/).
The funding allocations are based on evidence informed metrics, i.e. the population of older and disabled people in the local authority area as per the 2022 Census, the HP Pobal Deprivation Index and actual grant demand activity in the local authority.
Local authorities are responsible for the administration of the scheme, therefore the number of applications received, approved or refused may be available directly from local authorities.
748. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the transfer of functions including responsibility for the Multiple Unit Development Act and the Property Services Regulatory Authority from the Department of Justice; Home Affairs and Migration to his Department. [35256/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Order transferring functions under the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 was approved by Government on 22 July 2025, to give effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government to transfer responsibility for the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and the Property Services Appeal Board (PSAB) from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). The transfer of responsibility occurred on 1 August 2025.
The responsibility for the Multi-Unit Developments Act, 2011 (the MUDs Act), falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The Programme for Government committed to moving the responsibility for the MUDs Act to my Department to streamline support for Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) and improve oversight. A timeline for the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is currently being advanced. Engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
750. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if long Covid and associated incapacity to work is recognised by his Department as eligible grounds for invalidity pension. [33981/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
A person is regarded as being permanently incapable of work if:
• For the period of 1 year immediately before the date of application the person had been continuously incapable of work and a Deciding Officer or an Appeals Officer is satisfied that the person is likely to continue to be incapable of work for at least another year, or
• A Deciding Officer or an Appeals Officer is satisfied that the likelihood is that the person will be incapable of work for life.
• All applicants for IP must also satisfy the qualifying contribution conditions for the scheme.
• Claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions (class A, E, H or S) since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their Invalidity Pension claim.
• The relevant date is:
(a) any date after the completion of one year of continuous incapacity for work, or
(b) any lesser period that may be prescribed, subject to the conditions and in the circumstances that may be prescribed where the insured person has entered into a continuous period of incapacity for work and he or she is subsequently proved to be permanently incapable of work.
All applications for IP, for whatever medical condition, will be given due consideration by my Department and will be processed in accordance with the regulations and operating guidelines for the scheme.
The medical condition from which an applicant is suffering is not the sole defining criteria for determining eligibility for the payment. It is rather how the medical condition impacts on the person’s ability to undertake all types of work. An applicant may be suffering from several different medical conditions each of which may be contributing to the person’s inability to undertake work.
Eligibility for IP can only be established on receipt of a completed application form. Any person who suffering from long-covid and is incapacitated for work can apply for IP.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
751. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the impact of leave in addition to maternity leave [34182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere a number of ways a person can maintain their social insurance record to ensure there is no impact on their entitlements to benefits when out on unpaid or sick leave.
Credited contributions (“credits”), which relates to employed contributors only, are an integral part of the social insurance system. Credits cover gaps in an employee’s social insurance record where they are not in a position to pay social insurance contributions such as during periods of notified incapacity for work, proven unemployment, or periods during which the person was in receipt of certain other social welfare payments, including periods in receipt of benefits or applicable types of leave following the birth of a person’s child.
Credits are awarded to such persons’ availing of Maternity Benefit, Illness Benefit, Parents Benefit, Paternity Benefit, Maternity Leave, Parental Leave. Such credits can be used to maintain qualification for relevant social insurance benefits in the normal manner.
In addition to credited contributions, my Department has a number of schemes to protect the pension entitlements of those who are not in a position to make social insurance contributions.
The Homemaker’s Scheme was introduced in April 1994 to make sure those who provide full-time care for children or for an incapacitated person were not disadvantaged when their rate of State Pension (Contributory) was being calculated, using the Yearly Average method of calculation. This method of calculation is being phased out and will no longer be used from 2034, meaning that the Homemakers Scheme will no longer be used from 2034. People will still have access to HomeCaring Periods (see below) which are used in the Total Contributions Approach calculation method. Once a person has a minimum of 10 years (520) paid social insurance contributions, the Homemaker’s Scheme may increase a person’s rate of State Pension (Contributory), by reducing the number of years used as the divisor in the Yearly Average calculation.
HomeCaring Periods were introduced for those who were born on or after 1 September 1946 (i.e those who reached pensionable age on or after 1 September 2012), with the introduction of the Total Contributions Approach to calculating rate of pay. Homecaring Periods provides that for each week spent working in the home while caring on a full-time basis for a child up to 12 years of age or an incapacitated person age 12 or over will see that time spent added to other paid or credited social insurance contributions. Unlike the Homemaker’s Scheme, these caring periods do not have any limitations on when they took place. Under the Total Contributions Approach for calculating the State Pension (Contributory), a total of 40 years (2080) social insurance contributions is required for a maximum rate of pension. A person can receive up to 1,040 HomeCaring Periods (equivalent to 20 years) included on their social insurance record.
In January 2024, Long Term Carers Contributions were introduced for those who spent time providing full time care for incapacitated family members for periods of more than 20 years. These periods, which do not need to be consecutive, can be added to paid or credited contributions to increase a person’s rate of pay. Such contributions can be used to satisfy the minimum required 520 contributions to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory).
Furthermore, the Voluntary Contribution scheme is available, subject to meeting scheme qualifying criteria, to contributors who cease to be covered by compulsory social insurance either as an employee or as a self-employed person. Voluntary Contributions act to maintain a person’s established social insurance record in respect to eligibility for State pensions in the future.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
752. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to give favourable consideration to introducing a cost of disability payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34230/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people, including a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment. These commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
In Budget 2026, I provided for a €1.15 billion package of new social protection measures. This contained significant targeted measures to support disabled people including increases to personal rates of payment and the Fuel Allowance.
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 and ran for just over six weeks until Tuesday 7 April.
I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received.
The submissions have helped inform the agenda for the Summit which I will be hosting in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It is an in-person event with online access also available.
The Strategic Focus Network 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. This whole of government approach is important as addressing these costs is not simply a matter of income supports alone. Improvements in the delivery of, and access to key services is also needed.
Following the Summit, a briefing paper will be produced outlining the key learnings and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of Government delivers in this area going forward and inform the future Action Plans under the strategy. The paper will also feed into the Budget 2027 process.
We also know that many people and families, including disabled people and their families, are facing higher energy costs at the moment as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. That is why we recently announced a €250 million energy relief package.
As part of this package, the Fuel Allowance season was extended by an additional four weeks. This means that the 470,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance will receive additional financial support of €38 per week until May 1st, totalling €152.
For anyone who needs immediate assistance, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is available to them now. Under the 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. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Furthermore, under the scheme, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income. Heating Supplement is not restricted to the fuel season and can be paid throughout the full year.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment or a Heating Supplement 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.
753. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he will review the current disability allowance means test and earnings thresholds; whether any assessment has been undertaken of the impact of these thresholds on persons with chronic illness or disabilities who are in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34310/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance is a payment for people who are aged between 16 and 66 with an injury, disease or disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue, for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience or qualifications. The allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency requirement.
Eligibility for my Department’s disability related income support schemes is not dependent on the type or category of illness or disability. Rather, entitlement to these supports is contingent on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
Social welfare legislation provides that, for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse/partner where applicable, is assessable for means testing purposes. The purpose of the means test is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest income need. A person's home is not included in the means assessment and there are disregards in place in relation to certain income and assets.
Disability Allowance has one of the highest capital disregards operated by the Department of Social Protection. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. This is compared to €20,000 for most social welfare payments.
In addition, a person can earn up to €165 a week and keep their full rate of Disability Allowance. This is an increase of 38% since Budget 2021. In fact, a person can earn up to €527.60 a week and still retain a minimum rate of Disability Allowance and their secondary benefits.
In July 2024, the Government extended Free Travel Scheme to people aged over 17 and under age 66, who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability or are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months.
There are a number of other supports specifically for disabled people who are working. A person can retain their eligibility for the Free Travel scheme for 5 years after taking up employment and moving off a payment.
A person who had been in receipt of certain social welfare payments, such as Disability Allowance, for 12 consecutive months may retain their medical card for three years on moving into employment.
People who were on Disability Allowance and take up employment can currently be fast-tracked back to the payment if they cease their employment within 12 months. There are plans to extend this to three years.
Other recent measures, announced in Budget 2026, to help smooth the transition from welfare to work include allowing people moving from Disability Allowance to take up work to retain their Fuel Allowance payment for up to five years. The Back to Work Family Dividend has also been extended to this group, where they have children.
The Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people, including a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment. These commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
My Department is currently reviewing means testing across all its social assistance schemes. The outcome of this review will be used to inform decisions regarding any further changes to means testing.
I continue to keep the Department’s income support schemes for disabled people under review to ensure that they continue to meet their policy objectives.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
754. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection for assistance regarding an exceptional needs payment to a person (details supplied). [34369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).
Under the SWA scheme, my department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income or household and personal resources. This support is intended to assist with once-off or exceptional expenses that a person is unable to meet from their normal weekly income. ANPs are administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the need presenting.
The specific purpose of an ANP is to assist with immediate and essential expenses in situations of exceptional or urgent need. It is only intended to provide once-off short-term assistance where no other options are available.
To date, no application for SWA has been received from the person concerned. I have arranged for a SWA1 application form and information checklist to issue to the person concerned at their home address. Once the person concerned has completed and signed the application form and collates the information requested, they should use the freepost return envelope to send back their information for further assessment.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
