Louis O'Hara
Ceist:17. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection when he will introduce a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 June 2026
Ceisteanna (17)
Freagraí scríofa
Supporting disabled people is a key priority for me and for the Government. We recognise the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and are committed to improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments, including a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment. It is also why, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, includes a commitment to a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability.
I hosted the Summit in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026. It was attended by many people with disabilities, Disability Person Organisations and other advocacy groups as well as representatives of many Government Departments and members of the Oireachtas.
Senior Government Ministers were also in attendance including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, the Minister of State for Disability and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport. I spent the day engaging with attendees and I am very much aware of their personal experiences and the changes they would like to see.
This attendance indicates that while the work on the cost of disability has been led by my Department, the delivery of a solution will involve a range of Departments and agencies. 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 are also needed.
Ahead of the Summit I ran a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered. Over 1,100 submissions were received.
We will continue to engage with disabled people and their advocates, including at the Department’s Pre-Budget Forum on 1 July.
The lessons from our consultations and the Summit will inform our next steps including the measures that may be taken as part of Budget 2027.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.