Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to introduce a cost of disability payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26276/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware my Department published a Sectoral Plan in 2006 as part of the implementation of the Disability Act 2005. The Sectoral Plan establishes a system for the assessment of individual needs for people with a disability.

The Sectoral Plan also identifies key objectives in relation to income support and associated benefits for people with disabilities. This Government is committed to developing income and related supports for people with disabilities in order to ensure that they have adequate, secure and sustainable income. The Government is working towards ensuring that income supports and associated benefits do not create financial barriers to people with disabilities. My Department is committed to considering the issues around the cost of disability following the development of the needs assessment system provided for in the Disability Act.