Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1164. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an organisation (details supplied) and blind and vision impaired persons will be consulted as part of the research process in view of the fact research will provide quantitative estimates of the cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4564/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As part of Budget measures 2019, it was announced that my Department would commission research into the cost of disability. This is the first step in reaching an in-depth understanding of this complex issue.

Indecon International Consultants have been commissioned to carry out the research and are expected to submit a final report later this year. Their work programme to date has included the following elements:

- An review of existing international research, including approaches to defining ‘cost of disability’ and government responses to costs of disability.

- Examination of submissions from representative organisations. Indecon propose to have follow up discussions with organisations that have made submissions.

I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy was invited to, and has made, a submission.

As part of the “mixed-method" (top-down and bottom-up) approach to this research, a range of methodologies will be used, for example, the Standard of Living (SOL) approach using econometric analysis of data from household survey data to estimate a model linking living standards to incomes.

In addition, the study will utilize a direct measurement method using survey based data of the experience of people with disabilities. As part of the stakeholder engagement element of the research, a survey will shortly be issued to 33,000 recipients of DEASP disability-related payments, including people who are blind or visually impaired. This will be followed up by structured interviews with a small sample of persons with a disability or with their families. This very large sample is designed to ensure that the different costs incurred by individuals with a disability are taken into account.

It is expected that this research, when complete later this year, will 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, including those who are blind or visually impaired.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.