Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)

One in 12 people has a lifelong disability, which is roughly 8% of the population. How we treat these people presents a challenge for society. Two out of five people with a disability are at risk of poverty. One in five lives in absolute and consistent poverty. That is a shocking figure in itself. It is well documented that the cost of living is higher for people with disabilities. The costs have been well outlined in terms of transport, medical costs, the cost of heating and everything else. We must look at this in the context of the cost-of-living crisis. We are not living in normal times. The rate of inflation is accelerating, in particular the cost of essentials such as heating, food, transport and everything else. A Government report in 2021 confirmed the additional cost of disability was between €9,480 and €11,734. That is huge.

What we are discussing here tonight is important, namely, a cost-of-living disability payment, an additional €20 per week from January and a lump-sum payment this month to provide immediate assistance to people with disabilities. It is really important that we do that. This is a huge issue.

I want to highlight one issue relating to young people and the cost of disability. I am sure the Minister has come across it. A reply from the HSE indicated that in the region I live in, Laois-Offaly, there is currently a backlog of approximately 20 months-plus for an assessment of need for a child. I know it is taking even longer than that. What that means for those parents is very simple. They are begging and borrowing to meet the costs because they are going privately to get the assessment done. However, that is only to get the assessment done, and when it is done, they then have to try to source the therapies, which often are not available. I want to highlight that as one additional cost, in particular for people who have children with special needs. It is important to bring that point home to the Minister.

One young person in the county, among the many who contacted me, put it very well. He wrote me a letter regarding his concerns about the recently announced budget. They said that their income is exclusively the disability allowance, due to their circumstances. The person said the budget for 2026 had overlooked and neglected their needs and the needs of many others. The disability allowance was increased by €10 to €254. However, the poverty line in 2024 for a single adult such as the correspondent was assessed by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as anything below €346. That is what the person stated in the letter. I highlight this letter to show the human story underlying the debate.

Many people with a disability suffer from depression because they are isolated in their home and due to their financial situation. The mortality rate is a lot higher for people with a disability. They are more likely to suffer from mental health issues if they are confined to their home, especially if they have no work. The pathways to employment for people with a disability in the State are not good.

I recently visited Rehab Enterprises in Laois to see the work they do and to meet some of the people there with disabilities. It was heartening to see what they can do when they are given the opportunity. Ireland ranks lowest in terms of employment for those with a disability. The difference is almost 20%. It is worse for women, where the difference in the level of unemployment reaches almost 45%. Those who are moderately disabled should be given better opportunities to gain employment and better access to education. In particular, it is really important for young people that their ability, not their disability, and talents be recognised, valued and utilised. I impress on the Minister the importance of trying to develop further pathways to work. It is very important that we do that. Many people with disabilities have so much to offer. I am sure the Minister has seen cases himself. We do not recognise people's ability enough.

The rate of €254 in the budget for 2026 is inadequate. The gap is in the region of €10,000. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul says a minimum of €346 per week is required. It would be a start to have an increase of at least €20 from January. Let us start to look at the ability of disabled people and focus less on their disability. I encourage the Government to do that in the future.

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