Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

93. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide details of any analysis carried out by her Department on the recommendations of a report (details supplied) which was published in December 2021; her plans to introduce a cost of disability payment given the significant additional costs faced by persons with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38172/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Indecon report found that there is not a single typical ‘cost of disability’, rather there is a spectrum from low additional costs to extremely high extra costs of disability, depending on the individual circumstances of the person concerned.   

The additional costs of disability identified by Indecon run across a number of areas of expenditure including: housing, equipment, aids and appliances, mobility, transport and communications, medicines, care and assistance services and additional living expenses.  

One of Indecon’s key conclusions was that a multifaceted approach was required, involving increased cash payments, enhanced access to service provision and specific targeted grant programmes.  This is why a whole-of-Government perspective is needed.  

The Government has referred the report to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, which is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability.  The Group includes Government departments, agencies, the Disability Stakeholder Group and disabled people.  

This Group has oversight of monitoring the key frameworks for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities.  This group will consider and monitor actions required by the various Government Departments on foot of this report on a bi-annual basis.  

I introduced a number of measures as part of Budget 2022 in relation to people with disabilities and Carers.  These included a combination of core weekly payment rate increases, increases in earnings disregards as well as supports to employers.

Another of the key conclusion of the Indecon report referenced the significant challenges faced by Jobseekers with disabilities accessing employment.  In this context this month will see my department commencing the roll out of an early engagement approach for people with disabilities. 

Intreo will engage at the earliest opportunity with people with disabilities to offer them support and assistance in seeking employment. 

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Community Welfare Service delivers the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system.  This scheme helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.  

Customers do not have to meet in person with an Officer to make a claim.  The application form, SWA1 is available online at www.gov.ie for those who can access online services.  The completed application form can be posted or dropped into the local Intreo Centre where it will be processed promptly. 

Access to Community Welfare Services is not limited to a face-to-face meeting.  Consultations can be discreetly arranged via phone or at our Intreo Centres and Social Welfare Branch Offices which are open five days per week.  A direct home visit appointment can be arranged depending on the person's needs. 

The Department are currently assessing the provision of an online application process that meets the needs of our customers.  The provision of SWA1 forms online will ensure that those who wish to access this scheme without needing to attend an office can do so.  Customers can request a form by using CWSforms@welfare.ie.

The Community Welfare Service is ready to provide a flexible service to meet the different needs of customers, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation.  It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to customer needs.  The availability of locally based Community Welfare Officers and developing a modern and targeted delivery of assistance is a key feature of the service.

Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to assistance under the SWA scheme is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service.  There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.