O’Shea Urges Public to Engage in Cost of Disability Consultation

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea is encouraging people across Cork to take part in the public consultation on the design of the new Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment before the closing date of April 7th, 2026.

The consultation aims to ensure that those with lived experience of disability are at the heart of decision-making and have a direct role in shaping this important new support.

Deputy O’Shea said “Disabled people face extra costs every day and families are feeling it. Fine Gael understands that reality, and we are committed to taking action. The introduction of a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment will put meaningful supports in place that can make a real difference for disabled people and families right across Cork and Cork North West.”

He added “I strongly encourage all stakeholders to take part in this consultation. This includes disabled people, their families and carers, representative groups, and Disabled Persons’ Organisations. Your voice matters, and this is a real opportunity to shape how this payment will work in practice. Improving outcomes for disabled people is a key priority for Government. It is essential that the voices of those directly affected remain central to the development of this payment and to identifying wider actions across Government to address the cost of disability in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

The public consultation will remain open until 5pm on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, and will also help inform the Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability taking place on May 13th, 2026, as part of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People.

Concluding, Deputy O’Shea said “Fine Gael is on the side of disabled people and their families. We are committed to delivering real improvements and meaningful supports. I would urge people across Cork to make a submission and ensure their voices are heard before the deadline.”