Episode Details

The Government has launched a public consultation on a new permanent disability support payment, aimed at addressing the extra, everyday costs faced by disabled people. It follows years of debate — from the 2021 Indecon report which estimated additional annual disability-related costs of up to €12,000, to the scrapping of the controversial Green Paper reforms in 2024 after widespread backlash. Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary says this consultation will ensure disabled people’s voices are central to shaping the new payment, with submissions open until April 7th. But against a backdrop of rising living costs and fresh protests over recent payment cuts — with some households said to be €1,400 worse off — questions remain about what meaningful support will actually look like. Alan Morrissey was speaking about this with Michael Meere of Clare Leader Forum on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) thodonal from Getty Images via Canva.com