Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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153. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to publish any research undertaken or commissioned by her Department on a cost of disability payment, including costings to the Exchequer. [32067/23]

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.

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.

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.

I can confirm that 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.