Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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127. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on the consultation process as part of her Department’s work on addressing the cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15041/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Cost of Disability report found that there is not a single typical cost of disability. Rather, there is a spectrum from low to high additional costs of disability, depending on individual circumstances. The report also identified that additional costs of disability run across a number of areas of expenditure, including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, care and assistance services, mobility, transport, communications, medicines, and additional living expenses. For this reason, a whole of Government approach is required to address the issues raised.

Responses to the report were considered regularly by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group as part of its monitoring of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. This group was chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD. The group comprised of relevant departments, agencies, and a Disability Stakeholder Group. The work of the Steering Group was due to end in 2021 but was extended to the end of 2022. A new national cross-Government strategy to succeed the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and to satisfy the Programme for Government commitment to develop a coordinated plan to continuously advance the implementation of the UNCRPD is being developed throughout 2023 by all government departments and agencies. The Cost of Disability report is an important element of the evidence base which will inform the scope and focus of the strategy.

Officials in my Department are working on a Strawman on disability reform. The Strawman will deliver on existing Government commitments and take account of the findings and recommendations of a number of key reports, including the Cost of Disability report. In accordance with a commitment under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion (2020-2025), the Strawman will present proposals on the restructuring of long-term disability payments. It will look at simplifying the system and will take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report. The Strawman will also look at any current inconsistencies/anomalies related to our disability income and employment supports.

Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage. Following the publication of the paper in Q2, a wide scale public consultation is planned with stakeholders, the general public and advocacy groups.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.