Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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719. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the response of her Department to the findings of the Cost of Disability in Ireland research report; the plans that will be made in quarter one 2022 in response to these findings; if she will implement an all-Department response which will be timescaled and measured to ensure everyday costs are reduced for persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63223/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to use research into the cost of disability to properly inform the direction of future policy. The publication last month of the Cost of Disability in Ireland research report will enable the development of a whole of government approach to the costs of disability in Ireland.

The research suggests that in order to effectively support those living with disabilities, ongoing state support via income supplements as well as grants and direct service provision is likely to represent the most cost-effective means of achieving policy objectives to reduce poverty and improve income equality and the quality of life of individuals living with disabilities in Ireland.

This year, my own Department will invest over 25% of its overall education and training budget (€9.2 Billion) on making additional provision for children with special educational needs.

On the publication of the report, the Minister for Social Protection advised that the Government has agreed that the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group (NDISSG), will consider actions required by government Departments on foot of the report. 

The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) was developed in consultation with disability stakeholder groups and wider civil society. It is subject to the oversight of the NDISSG which is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability and includes representatives of several government departments and agencies and the Disability Stakeholder Group

My Department is a member of the NDISSG.    It will continue to participate in the work of the  Group and support it to consider the actions required by Departments, including my Department, on foot of the research report to consider what actions should now follow.