109. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the full year cost in 2016 of increasing the disability allowance by €6, €7, €7.50 and €8 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1990/16]

Disability Allowance is a means-tested social assistance paid to persons who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment arising from a medical condition (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). The estimated cost in 2016 of increasing the weekly rate of Disability Allowance by €6.00, €7.00, €7.50 and €8.00 is detailed in the following table.

There is an analogous social insurance payment, Invalidity Pension, which is paid to persons who are permanently incapable of work (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). A €1 increase in the weekly rate of Invalidity Pension would cost €3.2 million in a full year.

These costs include proportionate increases for qualified adults, where applicable.