Humphreys’ disability plan U-turn ‘due to political pressure’, senator claims

Independent senator Tom Clonan said that Heather Humphreys was clear in a meeting that no changes would be made to the green paper and his suggestions would not be taken on board

Heather Humphreys told RTÉ radio that the green paper was only a consultation document and said she found criticism 'hurtful'. File Picture: PA

An Independent senator has said Heather Humphreys only opted to drop a controversial disability reform paper due to significant political pressure

Tom Clonan said the Fine Gael presidential candidate had made it “absolutely clear” in a meeting with him in 2023 that there would be no changes to the green paper on disability reform.

The paper had proposed a three-tiered system for disability payments, based on a person’s ability to work as well as the nature of their disability. Assessments would also be carried out.

Mr Clonan’s comments came after Ms Humphreys told RTÉ radio she found criticism of her over the green paper “hurtful”.

Ms Humphreys said the paper was only a consultation document, referring to the meeting with Mr Clonan in October 2023.

“Based on those genuine concerns raised, I decided not to proceed with it,” she said.

This is disputed by Mr Clonan, who labelled the proposals in the green paper as “monstrous”.

Mr Clonan said that Ms Humphreys was clear in the meeting that no changes would be made to the green paper and his suggestions would not be taken on board.

“She was absolutely adamant that there was going to be no change, and there was no change,” said Mr Clonan.

Taoiseach

He referred to the defeat of the family and care referendums in March 2024 and the subsequent resignation of Leo Varadkar as taoiseach. Mr Clonan said the U-turn on the green paper only happened after Simon Harris became taoiseach in April 2024.

“Simon Harris became Taoiseach on April 9 and, within 72 hours, on April 12, it was announced that the green paper was scrapped,” said Mr Clonan.

“Her contention that she listened to the feedback and then changed her mind, that’s not what happened.

“What happened was they experienced an absolute political failure, what Enda Kenny would have called a 'double wallop' from the electorate in the referendum campaigns, particularly the one on disability care.

“It wasn’t that she took on board feedback. They did a U-turn, they scrapped it. That’s not amending it or changing it. They dropped it.”

Mr Clonan was critical of proposals in the document requiring people with disabilities to be medically assessed to see which tier of disability payment they would be entitled.

A spokesperson for Ms Humphreys said she is “somebody that listens”.

They cited increases to disability and carers payments in budgets as evidence of her advocacy for people with disabilities.

“Anybody can Google the green paper for themselves and see that it was only ever a consultation paper," the spokesperson said.

“Heather listened to the genuine concerns raised during that consultation and the proposals did not proceed any further.

“Heather respects senator Clonan, who has always been a strong advocate for disabled people.”