2649. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the cost of disability research conducted by her Department will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33262/19]

As part of Budget 2019, I announced my intention to commission research into the Cost of Disability – a first step to comprehensively understanding this complex issue.

In March of this year, a request for tenders for research into the cost of disability was published under an Office of Government Procurement Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement to the relevant Framework Members. Following this competitive tender process, Indecon International Consultants were commissioned to carry out the research which is now underway.

According to the expected timeline, the research is to be completed at the end of 2019 with publication to follow thereafter.

I trust that this clarifies the issue for the deputy.