Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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527. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an assessment has been conducted on the additional costs incurred by people aged 65 years and over due to disability, given that analysis indicates extra costs ranging from approximately €1,600 to €4,600 annually depending on severity and household type; if consideration has been given to addressing the fact that, while State pension rates are €40 higher per week than disability allowance, this does not fully cover the actual cost of disability in older age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15822/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The State Pension, whether Contributory or Non-Contributory, is paid to those who have reached pensionable age 66. Currently, the maximum weekly personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) is €289.30, some €40 to €45 per week more than those in receipt of a disability payment.

My Department commissioned Indecon to research the cost of disability in Ireland; the resulting report was published in 2021. It focused on people of working age rather than pensioners and estimated that the average annual cost of disability in Ireland ranges from €9,482 to €11,734 per annum. It found that the additional costs of disability spread across a number of areas of expenditure including additional living expenses, mobility, transport and communications, care and assistance services, equipment, aids and appliances, and medicines. My Department has not conducted a specific assessment of any additional costs incurred by people aged 65 years and over due to disability.

A key conclusion in the Indecon report is that a multi-faceted whole-of-Government approach is required to address the cost of disability. The next National Disability Strategy is being led by the Department of Children, Equality and Youth in conjunction with relevant government departments. The Indecon report forms a key input to the considerations behind that strategy

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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528. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to increase the €165 threshold in respect of the disability allowance; and the research his Department has carried out in respect of the labour activation potential of revising the threshold upwards. [15833/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Disability Allowance and Blind Pension have been structured to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue employment, be that self-employment or insurable employment. When an individual commences employment, an income disregard of €165 per week is applied. In addition, 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 is also disregarded for the purpose of the means test. A person can earn a maximum of €517.60 per week and still keep a portion of their social welfare payment.

The earnings disregard for recipients of Disability Allowance and Blind Pension has increased by almost 38% since Budget 2021 from €120 to €165 currently. This enables those on the scheme to earn more without having a negative impact on their means tested payment. However, any changes or improvements to these disregards can only be considered in an overall budgetary context.

The Department has not carried out any research in respect of the labour activation potential of revising the threshold upwards. However this is something that I will speak to Department officials about.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.