€500 Cost of Disability Payment Is A Welcome Step

I welcome the €500 Cost of Disability payment, as announced in last week's Budget.

I understand that there will be a co-design process with disabled people and representative groups to develop a new scheme for 2028. As this process advances, it is incredibly important that the voices of the disability community form the foundation of the discussion to address the many concerns they face. This includes recognition of the additional hidden everyday costs that the disability community experience.

The Government is committed to ensuring that there is a long-term payment solution for the disability community and I am committed to ensuring this stays on the Ministerial agenda as a key priority.