Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)

The core issue I am very worried about is Disability Federation Ireland stating that people with disabilities will be €1,200 worse-off next year than they are this year. The cost-of-disability payment proposed by the Social Democrats and others would have ameliorated that by about €1,000.

If the Minister is meeting with disability groups on 2 December, and is hoping to have a report by next summer, it would be very helpful for us to see a report on the cost-of-disability support payment at this committee. That may go to the disability matters committee, which the Minister mentioned, as well. I am very conscious, however, that there may be a big shock for people with disabilities next year as a result of the Government's actions and that we will have to look at the cost-of-disability payment with more urgency next year.