Vol. 472 No. 3
235 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Welfare the criteria for eligibility for a disability allowance in respect of people 16 years of age and over, in particular the eligibility criteria in relation to training, occupational therapy and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23324/96]
236 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether seriously disabled people, who are in receipt of a disability allowance, are eligible to attend part-time training courses or educational courses; if such attendance on these courses renders such persons ineligible for disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23325/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
Disability allowance is a payment made to people between the age of 16 and 66 years who, by reason of a specified disability are substantially handicapped in undertaking employment which would otherwise be suitable to their age, experience and qualifications.
A person in receipt of disability allowance may undertake a course of training and continue to receive their full payment if such training is of a rehabilitative nature. This depends on the nature of the incapacity and the content and duration of the training course. In many cases such courses of training are organised through the National Rehabilitation Board who evaluate the person's suitability to undertake the course.
A top-up payment is made by the health boards to persons who are engaged in full-time rehabilitation training approved by the board and in consultation with the National Rehabilitation Board. The purpose of this is to provide an additional income to people who have to live away from home while training. There are approximately 3,500 recipients of disability allowance currently engaged in courses of rehabilitative training. Participation in courses of occupational therapy or courses of education would not per se affect eligibility for the disability allowance where the other conditions for receipt of the allowance are fulfilled.
