Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
237. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide details on any work carried out by her Department on the reform of disability payments; details of any proposals that have been submitted to her for her consideration; her plans for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42210/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI published the Green Paper on Disability Reform in September last year. The Green Paper sought to reform my Department's system of disability payments to better target supports.
The Green Paper was a consultation document. Feedback from the public consultation raised concerns about its proposals. In particular, people questioned whether it was appropriate to reform the system of disability payments and employment supports separate to a wider consultation on other challenges faced by people with disabilities, including housing, transport, health and education.
I listened to these concerns, and in April I announced that I would not proceed any further with the Green Paper proposals.
The Taoiseach has established a Cabinet Committee on Children and Education and Disability. Any reform of disability payments will now be considered as part of this broader review of disability matters on a whole-of-Government basis. Officials in my Department are currently analysing the feedback collated during the Green Paper process. This feedback will be shared with the Committee.
It must also be noted that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is co-ordinating the development of a new National Disability Strategy with a whole-of-Government approach. My Department has been actively involved in the development of this new strategy.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
