95. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm that his Department will be the lead on the introduction of a permanent annual cost of disability support payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21596/25]

Sentiment score: 0.14

I ask the Minister for Social Protection to confirm that his Department will be the lead for the introduction of a permanent annual cost of disability support payment and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Sentiment score: 0.42

I am delighted to hear that. It is a welcome commitment in the programme for Government. Those who are living with a disability, as the Minister rightly says, have many additional challenges, including healthcare, transport costs and other challenges. The least we can do is to look to support them where we can. Those living with a disability and their representative organisations will be happy with progress in this area. I look forward to hearing of further progress in due course on negotiations about the annual budget. I am more than happy to support the Minister in any way I can.

Sentiment score: 0.53