76. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider reviewing the income disregards for carers and people with disabilities in light of the increased cost of living to ensure that social protection supports do not act as a disincentive to work or education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62187/25]

Sentiment score: 0.20

Bhí an tAire ag rá rud éigin ansin faoi bheith ag caint faoi dhaoine le míchumais, or people with disabilities. One of the things we could definitely do in this House would be to allow the wage subsidy scheme to be taken on by Deputies and Senators, in a sense that it would give people with disabilities easier access to policymakers. My parliamentary assistant, Michael Reynolds, has a disability. We tried to get the wage subsidy scheme but were told "No". If we could allow people in this House to employ people with disabilities in an easier way, we would have them closer to policymakers. That does not relate to my question, but the Minister mentioned the cost of living and ensuring that social protections do not act as a disincentive for people with disabilities to work.

Sentiment score: 0.29

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire agus gabhaim leithscéal leis, bhí orm sin a rá tar eis an comhrá sin. The reason I posed my second question is because many families and people with disabilities in my constituency have been telling me that even a small amount of work or training can push them over the threshold, which creates a barrier rather than an incentive to work. Saoirse Smith, who I have met multiple times, is considering not working because she thinks she will be better off. She is currently planning her wedding and is worried about losing her medical card or travel pass because of the amount of work she is doing. Will the Minister consider a review of the income disregards in order that people will be supported rather than penalised? I appreciate the update he gave. I know there will be some coming in over the coming year, but in relation to what Deputy O'Reilly said, it is not being felt on the ground. I understand the body of work the Minister has ahead of him, but this matter needs to be dealt with urgently. The winter months are coming. Inflation and the cost of living are all there for people with disabilities, and it is being felt on the ground.

Sentiment score: -0.00

I appreciate the update on the work the Minister is doing and the meetings we have had. The issue is that the existing threshold does not reflect the hidden cost of disability, which has been mentioned by Deputies across the House this morning, or the medical, transport and energy costs people face. I welcome the fact that the Minister has been carrying out a consultation. We need to modernise the system but we also need to give people confidence that taking up work will not leave them worse off. I would welcome the provision of any clarity on that matter as soon as possible. Correct me if I am wrong, but the increases to electricity and gas prices since 2017 have been fixed at €35 per calendar year. It would be really welcome if the old rate of 300 units per month for the four winter months could be increased. The Minister has been speaking to representatives of EnergyCloud. With the amount of renewable energy we have in this country, there will be a huge surplus. That is being used for households experiencing poverty, but it would be great if people with disabilities could be added to that. I hope my Bill on private wires will enable the Government to use that surplus energy to power households and give people free gas boilers full of such energy. This is something the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has been working on. I urge the Minister opposite to work with his colleague.

Sentiment score: 0.39