The Government’s decision to suspend the planned cuts to disability allowances for young people has been welcomed by Labour Galway West TD Derek Nolan.
Dep Nolan said this particular measure in the Budget would now be paused and would not form part of the Social Welfare Bill until a review takes place.
Both Dep Nolan and his Labour colleague, Galway East TD Colm Keavney, expressed their concern about the proposal to Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton at the Labour Party meeting on Tuesday.
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has now asked Ita Mangan, chair of the Commission on Social Welfare and Taxation, to review the measure and report back to Government on it. As a result, any child who reaches the age of 16 on the first of January will continue with the current system as applies.
“I was very concerned about the proposal to reduce payments to new claimants when they turn 16,” said Dep Nolan. “I welcome today’s announcement that the measure announced has been paused pending a review by the commission.”
The news has also been welcomed by Fine Gael senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
“I think it is unreasonable to classify a young person with a disability in the same category as a young unemployed person,” she said. “While there are some people with disabilities who can perform as competently as anyone else in the workforce, there are many more who simply will never be in a position to work.”
