Public Consultation Launched on the Cost of Disability
The public consultation is seeking submissions on what approach should be taken to provide a permanent disability support payment (stock image)
The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has launched a public consultation on the introduction of a new permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish this payment, which aims to recognise and address the additional costs many disabled people face in daily life including transport, healthcare, education, communication and household expenses.
The consultation invites disabled people, families, carers, representative organisations and all interested stakeholders to share their views on how the payment should be designed. Feedback will help shape both the development of the payment and discussions at a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability, taking place on 13 May 2026.
The Summit, held under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, will bring together Disabled Persons’ Organisations, Government Ministers, senior officials and civil society representatives to explore cross-government solutions to address the cost of disability in a meaningful and sustainable way.
The public consultation is open until 5pm on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
Accessible formats are available, including Irish Sign Language, Easy-to-Read, screen-reader friendly, Braille, and video submission options.
For full details and information on how to make a submission, visit: gov.ie/COD