683. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he is considering reform or abolition of the partner means test for disability allowance; the reason disability allowance is treated differently from invalidity pension in relation to a partner's income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37345/26]

708. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the eligibility criteria for disability allowance with regard to the current means test where a partner's or spouse's means is also taken into account, and only assess the disabled person in their own right, giving them independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37735/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 683 and 708 together.

Supporting disabled people is a key priority for this Government. Both the Programme for Government and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2030 include significant commitments in this regard.

Disability Allowance is my Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme. It is a means-tested payment for people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66.  In order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year.

In common with other income support payments, Disability Allowance is intended to help a person who cannot derive sufficient income from employment - in the case of Disability Allowance this is due to the fact that the person is disabled.

Social welfare legislation provides that, for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and their spouse or partner where applicable, is assessable. This recognises the fact that couples operate as a single household and can share living expenses in a manner not available to a single-person. In addition, the purpose of a means test is to ensure that scarce exchequer resources, derived from taxes paid by citizens, are directed to those with the greatest need. The application of a household means test direct income supports to households with fewer resources and supports an economically sustainable and socially equitable allocation of scarce resources.

Disability Allowance has one of the highest capital disregards operated by my Department. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. This is compared to €20,000 for most social welfare payments. A person’s family home is not assessed as means.

The earnings disregard for Disability Allowance has increased by almost 38% since Budget 2021 from €120 to €165 currently. A person can earn up to €165 a week and keep their full rate of Disability Allowance. In fact, a person can earn up to €527.60 a week and still retain a minimum rate of Disability Allowance and their secondary benefits.

The position with regard to Invalidity Pension is different as it is a contributory payment and not a means tested payment. That means that, in addition to a person having to satisfy requirements in relation to the impact of their disability on their ability to work, eligibility for the payment is based on the person’s PRSI record. As such, neither the person’s income nor that of their spouse or partner has an impact on their eligibility for the payment or the rate of payment they receive. However, where a person wishes to claim an increase for a qualified adult then their income will be assessed.

The Government recognises the additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures. That is why the Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a permanent annual cost of disability payment.

In addition, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was developed with significant input from disability groups and advocates, includes a commitment to a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability, emphasising the cross-government nature of the issue.

To prepare for the summit I ran a public consultation process on how a cost of disability payment can best be delivered. I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received.

The submissions helped inform the agenda for the Summit which I hosted in the Aviva Stadium on the 13th of May 2026.  It was an in-person and on-line event attended by many people with disabilities, Disability Person Organisations and other advocacy groups as well as representatives of many Government Departments and members of the Oireachtas together with senior Government Ministers including the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, and the Minister of State for Disability and the Minister of State at the Department of Transport. This attendance indicates that while the work on the cost of disability has been led by my Department the delivery of a solution will involve a range of Department's and agencies.

Following the Summit, a briefing paper will be produced outlining the key learnings.  These will inform the approach that will be taken including the measures that may be taken as part of Budget 2027. While the issue cannot be resolved in one budget cycle I, and my Government colleagues intend, to the best of our ability, to use the resources available in Budget 2027 to make a meaningful difference.