Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has renewed his call on the Government to commit to the introduction of a permanent cost of disability payment in the next budget.
Speaking ahead of today’s Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit, Deputy Hayes, who is the party’s spokesperson on social protection, said:
“It is now time for this Government to treat disabled people with the basic respect they deserve and to make good on their promise to bring in a permanent cost of disability support payment in October’s budget.
“People with disabilities suffer from the highest deprivation and poverty rates in the country. They are often socially excluded, isolated, and treated as an afterthought by the State. Since the last election, this Government has delivered nothing for disabled people other than empty promises and huge cuts to their income, leaving one of the most vulnerable groups in Irish society feeling desperate, ignored and insulted.
“Budget 2026 cut the annual income of disabled people by €1,400 in the middle of an escalating cost of living and energy crises.
“Earlier this year, the Government ignored the Social Democrats’ calls for targeted supports. During a Dáil debate on our motion for an emergency winter payment of €400, the Minister for Social Protection was dismissive of disabled people’s own accounts of their lived experiences, describing them as ‘misleading and dangerous’.
“The Government’s public consultation process and today’s summit on a cost of disability payment are a welcome step in the right direction, but must be backed with real commitments and supports.
“Disabled people’s organisations have engaged with the department on this issue in good faith. Today’s summit must result in real action and be more than just another talking shop.”
May 13, 2026