Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 1

Written Answers. - Travel Expenses.

Denis Naughten

Question:

363 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a company (details supplied) has informed volunteers of a cut in the rate of travelling expenses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that networks were only informed of the cut in February 2003, covering the period from 29 November 2002; his views on whether the current rate is satisfactory; his further views on the fact that disabled people should have to refund the difference in rates paid to that approved by the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13339/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The company to which the Deputy is referring, People with Disabilities in Ireland Limited, PwDI, is an independent non-profit making company established to provide a representative structure for people with disabilities through a national office and county based local networks. While my Department provides funding for PwDI it is not involved in the day-to-day running of the company. As the specific issues raised by the Deputy are internal to PwDI it would be inappropriate for me to comment on them.