Disability reform scrapped amid anger over payments

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys: 'As a Government, we now need to have a fresh look at how we can best support people with disabilities.' Picture: PA

The Government is scrapping its Green Paper on Disability Reform following a storm of criticism from campaigners over proposed changes to disability allowance payments.

The paper, published by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, included proposed changes to disability payments with the establishment of a three-tiered system.

The proposal had been widely criticised by disability organisations since it was published, with protests against the reforms having taken place in recent months.

Ms Humphreys acknowledged “significant concerns” about the proposal following its publication as a discussion document last September.

“I have listened to those concerns and I am confirming today that the Green Paper proposals will not be implemented,” said Ms Humphreys.

Three tiers

Three tiers would have been set up under the reforms set out in the green paper.

Of these levels, one would have been aligned with the current rate of the State pension, at €265.30 per week.

The second level would have been €242.65 per week.

The final tier would be the same as the current disability allowance rate, at €220 per week.

These payments would have been based on a person’s ability to work as well as the nature of the disability, with assessments being carried out.

One Government source said there had been “a lot of disquiet” over the proposals, particularly following the defeat of the recent referenda on family and care.

It is understood that Ms Humphreys met with Taoiseach Simon Harris on the matter earlier this week, but did not seek for it to be scrapped.

Since taking up office on Tuesday, Mr Harris has placed a further focus on people with disabilities, including the establishment of a new Cabinet committee on disability.

“As a Government, we now need to have a fresh look at how we can best support people with disabilities and I believe this will be best done on a whole-of-government basis through the new Cabinet committee,” said Ms Humphreys.

Independent senator and disability rights activist Tom Clonan said he was “delighted and relieved” to see the policy shelved by Ms Humphreys.

“It was an absolutely appalling proposal,” said Mr Clonan. “It’s a Victorian policy and it really frightened disabled people.”

Asked what the Government should do now, Mr Clonan said that the disability allowance should become a universal, non-means-tested payment for people with disabilities.

'Highly insulting'

Meanwhile, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the proposals were “ill-judged and highly insulting to disabled people”.

Ms Cairns said any future reforms must take consideration of the cost of disability, with a weekly payment and the reintroduction of personal transport supports.

The Labour Party’s Duncan Smith said that the scrapping of the policy was a “step in the right direction” but that it was not yet enough.

“We must now urgently address the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing adequate employment opportunities,” said Mr Smith.

“This includes the introduction of a comprehensive bill of disability rights that ensures equal access to employment, education, and healthcare for all members of our society.”