Cost of Disability Payment Needs to be Delivered in Budget 2027

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD, Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, has said that the Government must now move to deliver a dedicated Cost of Disability Payment as part of Budget 2027 following this week’s Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability.

Speaking after the summit, Deputy O’Shea said the event highlighted the significant financial pressures faced by disabled people and their families every day.

“This week’s discussions clearly demonstrated the very real and unavoidable additional costs that come with living with a disability. These costs include increased energy bills, transport expenses, healthcare and therapy costs, specialist equipment and many other day-to-day expenses that place enormous pressure on individuals and families.”

Deputy O’Shea said the summit provided an important opportunity to hear directly from disabled people, advocacy organisations and stakeholders about the challenges they face and the need for meaningful action.

“As Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, I believe it is critically important that the Government now proceeds with the introduction of a permanent Cost of Disability Payment as part of Budget 2027.

“There is a strong expectation among disabled people and representative organisations that this issue will finally be addressed in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Deputy O’Shea said such a payment would represent an important recognition by the State that existing supports do not fully account for the additional financial burdens associated with disability.

“A dedicated payment would help tackle poverty, support independent living and improve quality of life for many people across the country.

“It is important that any new measure is designed in a fair, sustainable and accessible way and informed directly by the lived experiences of disabled people themselves.”

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the continued focus being placed on disability policy through the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and said ongoing engagement between Government, Oireachtas Committees, Disabled Persons Organisations and advocacy groups will be essential in the months ahead.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in this week’s summit and particularly those who shared their lived experiences. Their voices must remain central to shaping future policy and supports,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.