Erin McGreehan TD, Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, has welcomed the introduction of the first ever permanent €500 Cost of Disability Payment, announced today as part of Budget 2027.

Deputy McGreehan said:

“The payment is the first step in acknowledging the huge cost of disability for people and I very much welcome that this is not the end point but the starting point for real recognition of the cost of disability.”

She highlighted the following key investments:

•             First ever permanent Cost of Disability payment of €500 payment,

•             Expanding services, increasing capacity, and supporting families, carers and those with disabilities live more independently in their communities,

•             930 additional staff to strengthen disability services and improve access to supports,

•             191,000 hours of home support for personal assistance for disabled people,

•             Over €38m for 212 new residential placements,

•             €15m for 14,700 additional respite sessions,

•             €25m for 1,503 new day places, including €1,450 places for school leavers,

•             €6.3m for 150 Children’s Disability Network Team posts,

•             €48m in Capital investment for residential, respite, day and community-based services.

Deputy McGreehan concluded:

“I am delighted to see over 900 additional staff being hired throughout the country to strengthen disability services and improve access for those who need it. These measures represent meaningful progress and a clear commitment to enhancing disability supports nationwide.”

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan

ENDS