Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2013
185. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the cuts to the rehab training allowance over the past three years; the current rate of the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38906/13]
View answerThe Rehabilitative Training (RT) allowance is paid to trainees attending RT programmes funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The payment is in addition to any other State payment the individual receives, such as the Disability Allowance. RT programmes are operated by the HSE or on its behalf by specialist service providers. There are 2,800 (whole-time equivalent) RT places with approximately 3,000 people attending training programmes each year - some trainees attend on a part-basis.
Participants are referred to training centres through the HSE’s Occupational Guidance Services, and the range of programmes provided at training centres cater for people with intellectual disabilities, mental health disabilities, and those with physical and sensory disabilities. Rehabilitative programmes provide foundation level training which focuses on the development of an individual's life skills, social skills and basic work skills with the objective of enhancing the trainee's quality of life and general work capacity.
There have been no cuts to the Rehabilitative Training (RT) allowance over the past three years and the rate of payment remains at €31.80. Payment is made on a pro-rata basis if the trainee attends on a part-time basis. The trainee is entitled to the payment for the duration of their attendance at an RT course. The length of time which a trainee spends on an RT training course varies depending on the nature of the course and the trainees’ needs and abilities, but is typically from 2 to 4 years.
