Vol. 461 No. 8
81 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to increase the daily rate paid to trainees employed by the rehabilitation boards where the rate is currently as low as £14 per week; whether the National Rehabilitation Board intends to appoint separate managers in the Carlow/Kilkenny centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4012/96]
(Limerick East): Trainees with disabilities in vocational training centres continue to receive the disabled person's maintenance allowance of £62.50 per week. People who, by virtue of their training are required to live away from home, receive a higher rate of £76.40 per week. These rates are revised annually in line with general increases in social welfare rates. In addition, most trainees would continue to receive any secondary benefits to which they may be entitled such as free electricity, free fuel, free television licence, medical card etc. while in training.
The payment referred to by the Deputy is in addition to the above statutory allowances. These payments can vary between £15 and £20 per week. The amount of this additional sum is a matter between the centre and the trainees.
