Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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356. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the analysis her Department is undertaking of the cost of a disability; if this analysis has commenced; the expected completion date of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12679/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As part of Budget 2019, I announced my intention to commission research into the Cost of Disability – a first step to comprehensively understanding this complex issue. I expect that this research, when complete, will provide a roadmap to inform policy direction in the future – from a whole-of-Government perspective – in relation to the adequate provision of support to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The process is being facilitated by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). A Supplementary Request for Tender (SRFT) for the provision of research on the Cost of Disability has been issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the OGP's Multi-Supplier Framework Agreements to the relevant Framework members.

According to the expected timeline, once a successful tenderer is identified, the research can commence in April with a view to having the research completed at the end of 2019.