Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has plans to introduce tiered disability payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32982/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is very clear from the Indecon Cost of Disability report that the cost of disability is significantly broader than income supports and that it will not be addressed through income supports alone. Additional costs of disability arise across a number of areas of policy areas including housing; equipment, aids and appliances; mobility, transport and communications; medicines; and care among others.

One of the key conclusions contained in the Cost of Disability report referenced the significant challenges faced in accessing employment and that a high priority should be given to facilitating an increase in employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I am committed to improving targeted employment supports where people are facing additional challenges accessing work. In this context, my Department is due to publish a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund in the near future and is currently carrying out a review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme.

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. 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.