Minister Canney urges people to have their say on new Cost of Disability payment
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging disabled people, families and carers to take part in the public consultation on the Cost of Disability launched by Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary.
The consultation will inform the design of a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment which is a commitment in the Programme for Government.
Submissions are open until 5pm on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
Minister Canney said: “Many disabled people face additional, unavoidable costs every day – whether in transport, healthcare, education or simply heating their homes. These costs add up and they place real pressure on individuals and families.
“This new payment is about recognising those additional costs. It’s important that disabled people and their families now take the opportunity to shape how this support will work in practice.”
A full range of accessible formats has been prepared to support public participation in the process. These include an Irish Sign Language video; an Easy-to-Read document, a screen‑reader friendly Word version, and a Braille version. Submissions will be accepted in writing (by email or by post) and by phone. Video submissions will also be accepted.
For more information and for details on how to share your views, visit: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/consultations/public-consultation-on-the-cost-of-disability/