4. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the commitment to introduce a cost-of-disability payment; the current status of policy development and implementation; the expected timelines for introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31682/26]

Sentiment score: 0.13

Tá mé ag lorg nuachta faoin infheistíocht do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas, go háirithe i mBaile Átha Cliath Thuaidh ach nationally chomh maith leis sin. I would appreciate if the Minister would give me a detailed timeline for the next step for recognising the associated costs for people with disabilities.

Sentiment score: -0.08

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Táim buíoch as an bhfreagra sin and the continued engagement with my office. I commend the staff in his office for their hard work as well as the Minister himself. What is absolutely clear is that the cost of disability must reflect the reality. In north Dublin in my constituency, we have the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA, the Central Remedial Clinic, CRC, and multiple disability organisations. I have been speaking to them about the urgency needed, not just in the winter, but also with transport costs, infrastructure and electricity. I hope that the Government acts on plug-in solar, which will reduce the cost for apartment dwellers, particularly people with no access to rooftops but who could easily access a similar system with a low initial cost. In conjunction with batteries, this would help with electricity costs. We also need to be clear about eligibility. Those who are on disability payments, who are in employment or who are over 65 need to be prioritised.

Sentiment score: 0.18

There is real urgency here. I welcome the fact that the Minister is acknowledging that this is needed. The gap is not abstract and it is felt every single week by the people I represent and people across Ireland. The payment would be very meaningful and very well accepted. I look forward to working with the Department and the disability organisations on that. This does not relate to the Minister's Department, but last night, we saw Irish citizens from my constituency and some of my friends illegally abducted by the Israeli Government. I was part of a previous flotilla. Could that be brought to the Department of foreign affairs, as they were off the coast of Crete in international waters? I know that the Minister cannot act on this in his Department, but I need to highlight it on the floor of this House and do everything I can do. A lot of these people were with me previously.

Sentiment score: 0.16