Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

I do not have to tell the Minister that people across the State are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The cost of the weekly shop, the cost of utilities, the cost of rent and the cost of fuel are all rising, with little to no support offered in the most recent budget to alleviate some of these pressures on people. People with a disability have these increases to contend with along with the additional financial cost of disability. The 2021 Indecon report estimated the average cost of living with a disability as being between €9,500 and almost €12,000 per year. The previous cost-of-disability package, which included a €400 lump-sum payment, a €12 increase in the disability allowance and a €250 energy credit, has now been stripped away. Even with these offerings, those living with a disability struggled with their costs. One of our citizens who is living with a disability said they cannot afford medication the doctor says they cannot need and that they drag out blood tests as long as they can. To hear this in 21st century Ireland is an absolute disgrace. People are already facing a challenge or risking their health because of their financial circumstances.

In September, in advance of the budget, I had the pleasure of hosting the Rehab group in Leinster House. Those who spoke on the day were mainly Rehab service users and National Learning Network users. They highlighted the numerous financial challenges faced by those with a disability. Their prebudget briefing contained quotes from services users and included comments about people's families buying their clothes and about people having enough to buy the essentials but having absolutely nothing in the event an emergency comes. Others had to move back home now because they could not afford to keep paying high rent.

Those with a disability are already suffering financial hardships. The €10 disability allowance increase in last week's budget will not alleviate any of the financial suffering for those with a disability. This increase does not keep pace with inflation. Even with the cost-of-disability measures, 2024 figures show that one in four recipients remained in poverty. If a council tenant gets a €10 increase, €2 of that will be taken in rent. Indeed, in real terms, the disability allowance is worth less than it was in 2020. It has always been a financial challenge to live with a disability. Unfortunately, because of the Government's failure, 2026 will be even harder, with an effective €1,400 drop in annual income compared with last year. Last week's budget was a bitter blow to those who live with a disability. Despite the pre-election promises and high-profile confrontations, the Government parties have done virtually nothing.

This motion is about providing a level of fairness to those who live with a disability. It is about keeping them out of poverty and deprivation, something that last week's budget absolutely failed to do. We urge the Government to take heed of this financial challenge for vulnerable citizens, to introduce a cost-of-living disability payment and to increase social welfare payments for those with a disability by €20. The Government should recognise that budget 2026 will have a devastating impact on people with disabilities and it should act immediately. It should also provide a lump-sum payment that recognises the additional costs that burden those with a disability.

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