Disability Allowance is a weekly payment made to persons with a disability whose employment capacity is substantially restricted by reason of their disability and whose means are insufficient to meet their own needs and those of their dependents. My Department has implemented a considerable number of changes to the Disability Allowance scheme since it was introduced in 1996, notably in relation to the progressive easing of the means test.
The purpose of the Disability Allowance means test is to ensure that people who have insufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for benefit, receive an assistance-based payment while ensuring that resources are targeted at those most in need. Thus social protection of the population in general is provided through a combination of insurance-based payments and payments targeted at need.
Recipients of Disability Allowance may avail of opportunities to take up vocational training and qualify for a training allowance from FÁS in lieu of Disability Allowance. Where relevant, they will continue to qualify for secondary benefits such as the Household Benefits Package, Free Travel and Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement. In the event that are unable to continue attending the training course, they revert automatically to receipt of Disability Allowance.
More generally, the conditions governing access to FÁS training courses are a matter for FÁS itself and for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I understand, however, that access to FÁS training courses for people with disabilities are not confined to people in receipt of a social welfare payment.