1207. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 758 of 26 May 2026, if he could provide details surrounding the current review into means testing across all social assistance schemes that his Department administers; whether a public consultation will be held as part of this review; whether his Department will engage with relevant advocacy groups as part of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42926/26]

1209. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will undertake a review of the means test for disability allowance, with particular regard to the assessment of a partner’s income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42956/26]

1210. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider reviewing the means test for disability allowance to allow persons with a disability to access the allowance in their own right (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42989/26]

1261. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the means testing criteria applied to disability payments, particularly in relation to cohabitation and marriage, whereby the income of a spouse or partner is taken into account; if he accepts that this practice may undermine the financial independence and personal autonomy of people with disabilities; and if consideration will be given to reforming these rules to ensure individuals are not penalised for entering relationships. [43383/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1207, 1209, 1210 and 1261 together.

Supporting disabled people is a key priority for this Government. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 is Ireland’s plan to advance the realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Both the Programme for Government and the Strategy include significant commitments in this regard, including a commitment to reform the Disability Allowance Payment and remove anomalies in the current means test.

The purpose of a means test is to ensure that scarce resources are directed to those with the greatest need. 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. The application of a household means test directs income supports to households with fewer resources and supports an economically sustainable and socially equitable allocation of scarce resources.

Disability Allowance 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.

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.

My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system. The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to their respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task.

The review has been informed by issues raised by stakeholders, including those flagged in Pre-Budget submissions in recent times. The review is at an advanced stage, and I expect that it will be submitted to me shortly. It is my intention that the review's findings will inform decisions regarding potential changes to means testing in future Budgets.

Any prospective changes to means testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the broader context of the overall policy and budgetary considerations over the lifetime of this Government.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.