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Fine Gael Dublin Mid-West Deputy, Mr Derek Keating TD, has said the announcement by the Taoiseach in the Dáil last Wednesday that budgetary changes to the disability allowance for new, young claimants will not now form part of the Social Welfare Bill is a welcome move which will be well received by all.
Deputy Keating went on to say that this announcement is proof that politics works, and that Government Deputies who have chosen not to support the Budget have removed themselves from any influence over Government proposals.
“The proposal to reduce the payment for new, young disability claimants did not sit well with many deputies, who last night relayed their concerns to the Minister.
“I am delighted to hear that as a result the decision has been made to suspend this measure from the Social welfare Bill until a review takes place,” said Mr Keating.
“Minister Burton consulted widely with disability support groups and organisations before any budgetary decision was made. Nonetheless the fact that the situation is to be reviewed by Ita Mangan, Chair of the Tax and Social Welfare Commission, is good news,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labour Party TD for Dublin North Central, Mr Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, said he welcomed the decision by Minister for Social Protection, Ms Joan Burton TD, to review the proposed changes to the Disability Allowance.
Taoiseach and Government Ministers receptive to Deputies concerns
“I know that there has been a lot of unease regarding the measures outlined in the Budget, and the fact that it will not feature in the Social Welfare Bill means there will be more time to assess the merits of the proposed changes,” he said.
“I thank the Minister for listening to the concerns of individuals and interest groups who have voiced their disquiet over the past two days, and it is my hope that a more suitable resolution can be found,” said Mr Ó Ríordáin.
Mr Ó Ríordáin’s party colleague, Gerald Nash, TD for Louth and East Meath, also welcomed the move.
“The Government’s priority in this budget has been to protect the most vulnerable in our society including children, the elderly, & people with disabilities, by ensuring that basic welfare payments were maintained, that those on low pay have been exempted from USC, and that nobody’s pay packet was hit by extra taxes,” said Mr Nash.
“Minister Burton’s decision to take another look at this highlights her capacity to take on board constructive suggestions made by myself and my fellow TDs and Senators and I welcome her engagement with us on this issue.”
Minister of State, Sean Sherlock TD, also welcomed the announcements by both the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, and Minister Burton that the issue of disability payments will be revisited.
“I welcome the co-ordination which has taken place by both parties in Government to look at changes to disability payments. The discussions which have taken place between backbenchers and ministers from both parties are a strong sign that this Government is committed to reaching a consensus on important issues like this.“Against an extremely difficult economic climate – huge challenges remain to restore Ireland’s public finances. With this task, tough budgetary choices remain; despite this, both parties in Government remain committed to working in unison to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected,” said Mr Sherlock.
