Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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109. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to address the findings of the Cost of Disability in Ireland – Research Report. [32538/23]

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 report's conclusions was 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.

The work of the Steering Group, chaired by the Minister of State for Disability, was due to end in 2021 but was extended to the end of 2022. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are in the process of developing a new disability strategy which will be infomred by the Cost of Disability report. Officials in my Department will contribute to the development and implementation of this strategy.

In addition, my Department has committed under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion to develop and consult on a Strawman proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments. The Strawman also intends to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report, the Pathways to Work report and the findings of the Cost of Disability Report.

Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage and I expect to bring it forward for publication shortly. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.