Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This Green Paper is for consultation only. Everything is up for discussion. No decisions have been made other than the payment as it currently stands will not reduce.

We will take on board all the submissions we have received. Already I am getting requests to further extend the consultation period. I will give consideration to that as well because some people felt that they should get longer to consider it and make their submissions. This is an inclusive process and I want to hear all the views.

People have made comparisons with the UK. What happened in the UK was very obviously a cost-cutting exercise. What this Green Paper is proposing will cost another €130 million per year. It is not a cost-saving exercise.

We will go through all the submissions. If there are clear red lines for people and we need to go back to the drawing board, that is what we will do.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Wynne. In case there is any doubt out there, as I said earlier, we will go through all the submissions. If there are clear red lines and it comes through loud and clear that this is not what is wanted, we will go back to the drawing board.

This was an opportunity to have a discussion to see how we can improve the situation for people with disabilities and we have to accept that there are different levels of disability. In fact, some people may be able to do a little bit of work. Some people can never work. This is about how we can target the resources at those who need it most and that they get a increased payment. Nobody will lose out on this.

It is important that we have these discussions. I am open to hearing the views of the different groups. Like all consultations, we take on board what they are saying. The purpose of this Department is to help people; it is not to put obstacles in their way.