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

The Deputy is right about me giving her straight answers. She likes specifics. We will publish the straw man by mid-May. It is called a straw man because people will be able to make submissions, we will engage with them and the stakeholders, and it is open to change. The outcome of public consultation will influence the final reform proposals.

The cost-of-disability issue is considerably wider than the income support system and will not be addressed through income supports alone. Indecon, in its cost of disability report, estimated that the overall annual cost of disability ranged from €9,482 to €11,374. Costs vary due to a number of factors, such as age, household type and the nature and severity of the disability.

During my tenure as Minister, I have made many changes to support people with disabilities because I am conscious that there are many challenges for them.

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