Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the cost of disability here is examined and progressed without delay. [39851/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There are a range of financial supports in place which are designed specifically to address the issue of additional costs associated with disabilities including weekly/monthly allowances, additional income supports, other benefits such as medical cards/free travel/mobility allowance and tax concessions. It is important to be aware that the provision of a cost of disability payment raises a number of very complex questions.

Not all people with disabilities incur additional costs, nor do they incur costs to the same extent. A national system of needs assessment is a prerequisite for any cost of disability payment scheme. The Government was committed to considering the issues around the feasibility of cost of disability payment following the development of the needs assessment system provided for in the Disability Act. However, with the major changes in the economic environment and the deferral of the implementation of the Disability Act, the Government is not in a position to progress consideration of the feasability of introducing a cost of disability payment.

Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork has to pay for a specific service. [40154/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.