Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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119. 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. [24664/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Indecon Cost of Disability report was prepared following an extensive consultation with disabled people and disability stakeholders. This included one of the largest disability surveys ever undertaken in the State.

The report 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. Furthermore, Indecon 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.

It is very clear that the findings in the research have implications for many areas of public policy. Based on this, one of Indecon's conclusions is that a multifaceted, whole of Government approach is required to address the cost of disability.

It is for this reason the Government decided that the report, and actions to be taken on foot of the report, should be considered and monitored by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

This group is chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, and is comprised of relevant departments, agencies, and a Disability Stakeholder Group.

The Disability Stakeholder group is comprised of persons who have expertise and lived experience of disability, who are appointed by the Minister of State for Disability - members serve a three-year period on the group.

A new national cross-Government strategy to succeed the National Disability Inclusion Strategy is currently being developed by all government departments and agencies. This is also intended to satisfy the Programme for Government commitment to develop a coordinated plan to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Cost of Disability report is an important element of the evidence base which will inform the scope and focus of the strategy.

In relation to my Department, we engage extensively with the sector through, for example:

• Quarterly meetings of the Departments Disability Consultative Forum a year. This forum was established in 1996.
• Quarterly meetings of the Departments Disability Consultative Committee, established under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
• The Department's annual pre- and post-budget forums.
• The Department's annual Carers' Forum.
• Two meetings each year of the Department's Community and Voluntary pillar group.
• Representation on groups such as the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group with representatives from the sector.
• Through the new Disability Participation and Consultation Network - this network was established and is being funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth as part of the States response to the UNCRPD.