Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her comments. She mentioned the cost of disability and the report. What is clear from the report is that the cost of disability is significantly broader than income supports. It is clear that it will not be addressed through income support alone. A basic standard income support for all people with disabilities is unlikely to address the costs incurred by those most severely limited by their disabilities. As the Senator said, and we have discussed it, some people have severe disabilities and others have disabilities that are less severe. We need to target it where it is needed most. A one-size-fits-all approach is not fit for purpose. At present, it is flat across the board.

One of the recommendations in the cost of disability report is that those with more severe disabilities need the greatest support. For those with less severe disabilities, we can empower them and help them to get into the workplace and become more independent. A number of measures will be examined. The Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, has established a committee that will go through all of these issues in detail. The Senator is correct that it requires a cross-governmental approach. It is not just about one Department. In fairness to the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, she is pulling it all together. This is the first time it is being done. I will support her in every way I can, as I know the Senator will. It is the right way to go about it I have no doubt about this. We have this comprehensive report and we can continue to work on it and make sure we get the right outcomes.

The Senator mentioned the means test. It ensures not only that recipients across the board have an income need but also that the scarce resources are targeted at those with the greatest need.

The disability allowance currently has the highest capital disregard of any scheme operated by the Department. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. This is something that was brought to my attention. It used to be €20,000. I increased it in the most recent budget to €50,000, which was very much welcomed by the disability groups at the time. Of course, the disability allowance recipients may work and earn up to €140 per week without it affecting their payment. People receiving disability allowance may also be eligible for secondary benefits, such as free travel, fuel allowance, the household benefits package, the living alone allowance and the telephone support allowance. Depending on their circumstances, recipients may also be entitled to rent supplement or housing assistance payment to help meet housing expenses. Removing the means test for disability allowance would have significant budgetary implications and would give rise to inconsistencies in how means tests are applied across all schemes.

Again, as the Senator will appreciate, there have to be rules for schemes. Unfortunately, when we have rules, there are always those who fall marginally inside or outside them. Even though I increased the limits, as I did in the budget, no matter how much the change is, there is always going to be somebody who falls outside the scheme. If somebody has real financial problems such that they cannot meet their commitments, under the supplementary social welfare allowance there is an urgent needs payment and an essential needs payment. If anybody has difficulty in meeting some of their costs currently, and we know the cost of living has gone up, they can go to the community welfare officer and apply for an urgent needs payment to help them with the difficulties they are having. That is the State support; it is the safety net that the State has to help people who get into difficulty. We are here to help, and that is the one message I want to get out there today. Right across the board, the purpose of social protection is to give that financial support to people when they need it.

I look forward to seeing the Senator later. If we do not get going soon, we will be late.