Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
272. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to concerns raised in correspondence as regards the reform of disability payments (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43225/23]
View answerOn 20 September, I published a Green Paper on Disability Reform and launched the associated public consultation.
The Green Paper was developed as a response to commitments under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion, the Pathways to Work Strategy, and the Make Work Pay Report Strategy to consult on reforms to disability payments and to take account of anomalies within the current system. It also takes into account the recommendations in the Cost of Disability Report.
I would like to emphasise that this Green Paper is not a final design and no changes will be made to the current payments at this time. The proposals in the Green Paper represent a starting point for a structured discussion. By providing one possible approach, rather than simply listing challenges and issues, these proposals are inteded to provoke discussion, debate and suggestions. The feedback we get will help to design and develop a new model of income supports for Government to consider.
The main proposal of the Green Paper is to move to a three-tiered Personal Support Payment, rather than the one-size-fits-all payments we currently have. This would amalgamate the current schemes of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, and Blind Pension into one scheme with contributory and non-contributory streams.
Another important element of the Green Paper is that where people have a life-long disability, they would not be subject to ongoing medical reviews by the Department of Social Protection as is currently the case.
I want to assure the Deputy that the intention is to try and simplify and make the social welfare system work better for people with disabilities. The proposals in the Green Paper are about providing additional support to those who need it most. Everyone will continue to receive the same payment unless they are moved to a higher payment. Improved employment supports will be available for those people who would like to engage in work.
I have already met with various disability organisations to brief them on the Green Paper and I want to work with them to ensure we get a strong response to this public consultation.
I would like to encourage all those with an interest to express their views as part of the public consultation process. The public consultation will last until 15 December 2023.
Full details on how to make a submission as part of the public consultation are available at gov.ie - Green Paper on Disability Reform: A Public Consultation to Reform Disability Payments in Ireland (www.gov.ie)
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
