Longford activist insists 'cost of disability doesn’t disappear when you go to work'

LONGFORD disability activist James Cawley will meet both Ministers Dara Calleary and Jack Chambers in Leinster House on November 4 to discuss the exclusion of working disabled people from the Cost of Disability Payment.

James along with fellow activist Ann Marie Flanagan and Brian Dalton, have welcomed confirmation that they will meet the Ministers next week.

The meetings follow a collective campaign highlighting the exclusion of working Disabled people from the €500 Cost of Disability Payment announced in Budget 2027.

The three activists came together following the Budget announcement to challenge the exclusion and advocate for a standalone, non-means-tested Cost of Disability Payment that recognises the additional financial costs of disability, regardless of employment status.

Their collective activism has attracted significant national and regional media attention, bringing the experiences and concerns of working disabled people into the national conversation.

Speaking on behalf of the group, James Cawley said:

“When the three of us came together, we had one clear objective: to highlight the exclusion of working disabled people and work collaboratively with Government towards a practical solution.

“We are delighted to have secured meetings with Ministers Dara Calleary and Jack Chambers on 4 November. This is an important opportunity to move the conversation forward.

“We wholeheartedly welcome additional financial support for disabled people receiving social welfare payments. However, disability does not disappear when someone gets a job, and neither do the additional costs associated with it.

“We are approaching these meetings in a positive and constructive spirit. We want to bring solutions to the table and explore how we can develop a fairer approach that recognises the cost of disability for everyone.”

Ann Marie Flanagan commented:

“This is an important development for working disabled people who have felt overlooked in the current approach to the Cost of Disability Payment.

“We have been clear from the outset that a standalone, non-means-tested payment is needed to recognise the additional financial burden associated with disability.

“We welcome the opportunity to bring our lived experiences directly to Government and to have a meaningful discussion about how this issue can be addressed.”

Brian Dalton added: “The response to our campaign has demonstrated the importance of this issue to disabled people across Ireland.

“Securing these meetings is a positive step, but our focus remains on achieving meaningful progress.

“We look forward to engaging with both Ministers, outlining the challenges faced by working disabled people and exploring practical policy solutions.”

The group has acknowledged the support received from disabled people, Disabled Persons’ Organisations, disability organisations, members of the public and the media in recent weeks.

The activists will use the meetings to advocate for a standalone, non-means-tested Cost of Disability Payment and explore other policy measures that recognise the additional financial costs associated with disability.

James Cawley concluded: “What we’ve demonstrated over the past few weeks is the power of collective activism.

“Individual advocacy can address individual challenges, but collective activism has the potential to bring about systemic change.

“We appreciate the willingness of both Ministers to meet with us and look forward to constructive discussions on 4 November.

“Our message remains simple: the cost of disability doesn’t disappear when you go to work, and our policies should reflect that.”

The group formed following Budget 2027, which announced a €500 Cost of Disability Payment linked to social welfare eligibility.