Nicosia, Cyprus. Representatives of people with disabilities said a proposed bill on disability benefits would not provide a comprehensive solution, though they said conditions would not worsen, as the House labour committee continued its discussion on Friday.
Committee discussion and outstanding issues
Committee chairman and Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias said the number and severity of complaints submitted by people with disabilities showed that many issues remain unresolved, adding that MPs were still awaiting written responses from the deputy welfare ministry.
The committee examined issues concerning beneficiaries of the minimum guaranteed income (EEE) scheme, their gradual integration into the workforce, delays in examining objections, and the proposed separation of disability benefits from the EEE. MPs and organisations called for clarifications from the government before parliament dissolves in four weeks ahead of the May 24 elections.
Disagreement over beneficiary numbers
Kafkalias said there was confusion regarding the number of beneficiaries. In a previous reply, the deputy ministry referred to 12,000 new beneficiaries, while organisations expected the legislation to include all those currently excluded.
“This is not how things are,” Kafkalias said, adding that the issue would be discussed before the new bill was sent to the plenum.
Deputy minister outlines reform and budget
Deputy Welfare Minister Klea Hadjistefanou Papaellina said discussions would continue on Tuesday and that she would return with the requested clarifications.
She described the new legal framework as a “huge social reform”, stressing the importance of separating disability benefits from the EEE. Papaellina said there was willingness to increase benefits and include a large number of new beneficiaries, with a budget of €106 million allocated for the period 2026–2028.
Delays in objections and calls for access
Referring to delays in examining objections, Papaellina blamed a shortage of staff and said efforts were under way to rectify the situation. MPs said some objections have been pending for up to 18 months.
Disy MP Demetris Demetriou said the deputy ministry should “keep the doors open”, adding that MPs acting as intermediaries to obtain answers was “not healthy”.
What clarifications do you expect the government to provide before parliament dissolves?