Taoiseach Martin Signals «Cost of Disability» Payment for Budget 2027
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced plans for a «cost of disability» payment, a key target for Budget 2027, following a summit. This initiative aims to address the significant financial burden on disabled individuals, estimated at €15,200-€15,500 annually, and involves establishing a dedicated mechanism.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the government is moving towards establishing a «cost of disability» payment following a summit today at the Aviva Stadium. The event gathered over 1,000 submissions from organizations on the financial burden of disability.
Martin, alongside Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, stated that a cabinet subcommittee and a unit within the Department of An Taoiseach will address disability issues. While he did not confirm an additional payment for disabled people in the upcoming budget, he called it a «key target» in negotiations. He emphasized establishing the principle and a mechanism first, indicating the proposal could materialize in Budget 2027, pending negotiations.
Calleary noted the estimated annual cost of disability is between €15,200 and €15,500. Martin also highlighted broader government spending on disability, including mobility supports, respite care, and education. Earlier this year, campaigners sought an emergency €400 payment for disabled people and carers. The Disability Federation of Ireland previously welcomed investment but criticized the removal of one-off payments in Budget 2025.