David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 118: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a review of the cost of disability payment has been commenced; if so, when he will publish such a review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8509/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, includes a commitment that the issues around the introduction of a cost of disability payment will be considered following the development of a needs assessment system under the Disability Act. This follows an inter-departmental examination of the issue by a working group and research commissioned on its behalf by the National Disability Authority.

Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 establishes a system for the assessment of individual needs for people with a disability. The assessment of need process has been implemented for persons aged under 5 years of age with effect from 1st June 2007. It is intended that the assessment of need process for all persons with a disability will be in place by 2011.

In the meantime, there is already significant assistance available to mitigate the impact of the additional costs incurred by people with a disability. These measures include weekly/monthly allowances, additional income supports, other benefits such as medical cards/free travel/mobility allowance and tax concessions.