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

The issue of the cost of disability is broad and extends beyond the remit of the Department of Social Protection. This is why this important and much-needed research was carried out. The Cost of Disability in Ireland research report will now inform policy from a whole-of-government perspective. The Indecon report identified that additional costs of disability run across a number of areas of expenditure including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, care and assistance services, mobility, transport, communications, medicines and additional living expenses. Indecon also found that there is not a single typical cost of disability. Rather, there is a spectrum from low to high additional costs of disability, depending on individual circumstances.

As the findings of the research have implications for many areas of public policy, a whole-of-government perspective is needed. This is why the Government referred the report to the national disability inclusion strategy steering group, which is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for disability. This group comprises relevant Departments, agencies, a disability stakeholder group and people with disabilities and will consider and monitor recommended actions required from the various Government Departments on a biannual basis.

As a starting point, a number of the measures I introduced as part of budget 2022 to support people with disabilities and carers reflect some of the findings of the report. These measures included supports to employers and increases to income disregards and core weekly payment rates. Under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion and Pathways to Work strategies, my Department has committed to developing and consulting on a straw-man proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments. The main objective is to simplify the system and remove anomalies. The straw man will also take account of the conclusions of the cost of disability report as part of its work.

See this speech in context