Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
748. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the closing date for the public consultation on the green paper on disability allowance in order to allow disabled people and organisations ample time to submit their responses to the proposed changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48205/23]
View answerThe 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. This was published on the 20th September and marked the start of the consultation process.
The Green Paper is a consultation document. It is not a final reform design. The Paper’s purpose is to invite discussion and suggestions.
I am very mindful of our commitment under Article 4(3) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to consult closely with and actively involve disabled people and their representative groups on changes that will impact them. Thus, we will be holding public consultation events in Dublin Castle on 9 November, in Cork on 14 November and in Athlone on 23 November. These are open to members of the public, Disabled Persons’ Organisations and disability groups.
It is essential to the consultation process that the department hears from as many people as possible and ensures that people have ample time to submit their responses is integral to this process. My officials consulted with stakeholders in advance of the launch of the Green Paper and they requested a period of 12 weeks to enable meaningful consultation with their members.
The current deadline is the 15th December, thereby allowing the 12 weeks as requested by stakeholders, but I am open to extending the consultation period if needed. My department has previously accommodated requests for extensions for public consultations, so the Deputy can be assured that people will have sufficient time to have their say.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
