249 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance the projected cost of providing a disability cost allowance of £100 per week to people with disability, the plans, if any, he has in respect of such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12598/00]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provides that the Departments of Health and Children, Social, Community and Family Affairs and Finance will set up and participate in a working group which will consult with the social partners to examine the feasibility of a cost of disability payment. Until this group has reported and its findings have been evaluated, it is not possible to comment upon either the numbers which might be involved or any rate of payment that might be considered appropriate.