Gary Gannon
Question:36. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection how the green paper on disability reform will impact students in higher education receiving disability payments. [9087/24]
View answerThursday, 25 April 2024
Questions (36)
Written answers
The proposals outlined in the Green Paper on Disability Reform would not have impacted the payment of students in higher education receiving a disability payment.Based on feedback from the Green Paper consultation, it became clear that there were significant concerns with these proposals.I have listened to these concerns and decided not to implement the Green Paper proposals.
The consultation feedback, in particular, highlighted that long-term disability supports should not be looked at in isolation but require a whole-of-Government response. All areas that affect people with disabilities should be considered, including health, housing, transport, and education.The Taoiseach has placed a major emphasis on improving supports and services for people with disabilities in all aspect of their lives. He has announced his intention to establish a special Cabinet Committee on Disability.I welcome the establishment of this Committee. As a Government, we now need to have a fresh look at how best to support people with disabilities, and I believe this will be best done on a whole-of-Government basis through this Committee.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.