Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government committed as part of the roadmap for social inclusion to develop and consult on proposals to restructure long-term disability payments and to simplify the system. The proposals developed are set out in the Green Paper on disability reform.

The intention in proposing reforms to the structure of long-term payments is twofold: first, to better insulate disabled people who cannot work from poverty by providing for higher rates of payment and second, to encourage and support higher levels of employment for people with disabilities by tailoring the provision of employment supports to suit people’s capabilities. This is not a cost-cutting measure. In fact, many people will see significant increases to their payment of up to €45 per week and any engagement with employment services will be on a voluntary basis.

The Green Paper is a consultation document. No final decisions have been made. The paper’s purpose is to invite discussion, debate and suggestions. We want to hear from as many disabled people and their representatives as possible. My officials held a stakeholder event in October and four public consultation events in November last year. My Department has also been holding bilateral meetings with disabled persons' organisations, DPOs, and disability groups.

I have extended the closing date for the public consultation until 15 March 2024. This was in response to requests for an extension and to allow individuals, DPOs and disability groups time to consider their submissions. People can make a submission in writing or by video. I encourage everybody with an interest in improving the lives of people with disabilities to engage in the consultation process. I encourage everybody with an interest improving the lives of people with disabilities to engage in the consultation process. I am open to all ideas and suggestions.

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