Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from An Cathaoirleach, Deputy Naughten.

I remind members participating in the meeting remotely that they are required to do so from within the precincts of Leinster House only.

I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

I welcome the witnesses from the Department of Social Protection. They are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at this meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will consider the Green Paper on Disability Reform with officials from the Department of Social Protection. The Department is creating a straw man proposal on the restructuring of long-term disability payments under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 -2025. The Green Paper proposes a tiered income support system that would replace the flat system. Currently, everyone who qualifies for a disability payment gets the same amount of money. The proposal is to change this and to have three tiers of payments depending on a person's ability to work. The Green Paper includes proposals on reforming the following income supports: disability allowance, invalidity pension, blind pension, partial capacity benefit and domiciliary care allowance. For those watching the discussion who may wish to contribute to the consultation, the Minister has invited submissions from individuals and stakeholder organisations, especially people with disabilities, disabled persons organisations, DPOs, and disabled persons representative organisations to share their views. The closing date for submissions on this consultation is 15 December 2023. The committee is supportive of the reform of these income supports and welcomes the opportunity to discuss the Green Paper today.

I welcome to the meeting Dr. Ronán Hession, assistant secretary, working age and family policy; Dr. Sarah Waters, principal officer, illness disability and carers policy; and Dr. Devesh Singh, chief medical officer.

I invite Mr. Hession to make his opening statement.