Government to scrap controversial Green Paper on disability reform after backlash

There are “significant concerns” with the proposals set out in the plans, according to Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys.

The document, from the Minister’s Department, proposed reforming the structure of long-term disability payments by establishing a three-tiered system.

Under the tiers, levels of disability payments would have been dictated by the nature and restrictions of the disability and the person’s perceived ability to work.

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Campaigners slammed the proposals as being “Dickensian” and called on the Government to scrap the Green Paper.

“I launched the consultation process on the Green Paper last September. Based on the feedback I have received to date, it is clear that there are significant concerns about the proposals,” said Minister Humphreys.

“I have listened to these concerns and I am confirming today that the Green Paper proposals will not be implemented.”

The Government needs to have a “fresh look” at how people with disabilities can be “best” supported, said the Fine Gael minister.

She said this can be done through a new Cabinet sub committee on disability, which was set up this week, shortly after Simon Harris became Taoiseach.

“Our new Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has placed a major focus on improving supports for people with disabilities by giving a voice to special education at the Cabinet table in Minister [Hildegarde] Naughton and also with the establishment of a new special Cabinet Committee on Disability,” said Ms Humphreys.

“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.”

Independent Senator Tom Clonan has also criticised the Green Paper, saying the UK attempted to bring in a similar plan.

“A similar plan was brought into disrepute in Britain. It led to a surge of suicides in the UK and in Northern Ireland,” he told the Irish Independent previously.

“Instead of helping, the Department of Social Protection wants to impose this Dickensian, Victorian system of classification of the deserving and undeserving poor.”

The Department of Social Protection previously said the proposed reforms were not a cost cutting measure, saying “nobody will be forced to work” and that “many people” will see increases of over €45 in their weekly payments as a result.