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

The purpose of a straw man is it is a rough outline, you can change it and consultation will lead to changes based on what the views are on the ground.

The development of a straw man is based on a commitment under the roadmap for social inclusion to develop and consult on a straw-man proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments.

The straw man also intends to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report, the Pathways to Work report and the findings of the cost of disability report.

Work on the straw man is at an advanced stage and I expect it to be published during quarter 2. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.

The Indecon cost of disability report is also feeding into the preparation of the straw-man reform proposals.

The report identified that the cost of disability is a wider issue than income supports and runs across a number of Government areas, including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, care and assistance services, mobility, transport, communications, medicines, and additional living expenses. There is not a single typical cost of disability. Rather, there is a spectrum from low to high additional costs, depending on individual circumstances. As the findings of this research have implications for many areas of public policy, a whole-of-government perspective is needed. As such, the report was referred to the national disability inclusion strategy steering group, chaired by the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte.

In terms of income supports, budget 2023 included a combination of lump sums, increases to income disregards and increases to core weekly payment rates for disabled people. A further cost-of-living payment is due to be paid in April.

Work continues to support disabled people into work. In July, my Department commenced an early engagement process with disability allowance recipients aged between 18 and 22 years. This process will be expanding to other age groups over time. My Department is also finalising a review of the reasonable accommodation fund. In budget 2023, I announced an additional €1 million in funding to support the review's recommendations.

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