Government scrapping Green Paper on Disability Reform following storm of criticism 

Proposed changes to disability allowance payments included establishment of a three-tiered system

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said there were 'significant concerns' about the proposals following its publication as a discussion document last September. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

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

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

However, Ms Humphreys said there were “significant concerns” about the proposals 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,” Ms Humphreys said.

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

It is understood 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,” Ms Humphreys said.