Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)

The Taoiseach tells us about increased investment and that disability is a priority, but even when it comes to something relatively simple, if we use the example of recognising the cost of disability and addressing it, his Government manages to somehow spectacularly miss the mark. A 2021 report calculated the additional cost of disability to be at €236 per week. What was the Government's response to that? It was a one-off payment of €400, as if having a disability is some kind of a one-off, minor inconvenience. According to the ESRI and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, the cost of disability is now up to €875 per week. One-off payments are not only grossly insufficient; they are insulting.

Tens of thousands of disabled people live in poverty with nearly 76% of disabled people in Ireland at risk of poverty. The Taoiseach says disability is a priority but he published a national disability strategy that lacks any ambition, a budget and any timelines. We have more than enough reports; what we need is action. I have one question. Can the Taoiseach tell us if he will introduce a cost of disability payment in the budget?

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