Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
358. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 7 December 2023, the names of the disability stakeholders and disabled persons organisations that her Department engaged with prior to the launch of the green paper. [55956/23]
View answerThe Green Paper on Disability Reform is my department’s response to our commitment under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion to develop and consult on proposals to restructure long-term disability payments and to simplify the system.
The Green Paper is a consultation document. It is not a final reform design. The proposals are intended to invite discussion, debate, and suggestions from individuals, Disabled Persons’ Organisations, and disability groups.
Prior to the launch of the Green Paper, on 6 September 2023, my officials engaged with disability stakeholders to discuss and plan how to make the written documents and consultation process as accessible as possible. The proposals in the Green Paper were not outlined or discussed at this meeting.
Members of Disabled Persons’ Organisations attended this meeting, including representatives from AsIAm, Mental Health Reform and Voice of Vision Impairment. Representatives from other disability groups also attended this meeting, including Chime, the Irish Deaf Society, Disability Federation Ireland, Inclusion Ireland, the National Disability Authority and Vision Ireland.
My department incorporated stakeholders’ feedback and published the Green Paper in plain English, easy-to-read and screen reader friendly formats. Upon request, two Braille formats are also available. As a result of this engagement, we are also accepting submissions not only in writing but also by video.
I also originally set a 12-week consultation period based on feedback from this meeting. Stakeholders outlined how at least 12 weeks would be required to allow for meaningful consultation with their members. However, following requests for an extension and to allow individuals and groups sufficient time to compose their submissions, I have extended the closing date for the consultation until 15 March 2024.
The Green Paper is designed for public consultation and no final decisions have been taken.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
