asked the Minister for Health the reason disabled person's maintenance allowance is payable to disabled persons attending special educational establishments or third-level university courses but not payable to those attending secondary school or similar institutions; the amount of money it would cost to provide disabled person's maintenance allowance to those in the latter category; and if he will make this concession in view of the discrimination involved.
Written Answers. - Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance.
533.
A disabled person's maintenance allowance and training fees not exceeding those approved for special training centres are payable to a disabled person in third level education subject to the following conditions:
(i) the person in question must be otherwise qualified for a DPMA,
(ii) the person must have been assessed by the National Rehabilitation Board as suitable for the course to be taken,
(iii) the health board and the National Rehabilitation Board are agreed that the course to be taken is the most appropriate form of training and the one most likely to lead to open employment.
Persons attending secondary schools are receiving a more general education and would not therefore meet the criteria specified in the case of disabled persons undertaking third level courses which are specifically aimed at providing them with open employment.
I do not have the details at this time of the cost of extending the disabled person's maintenance allowance to those attending second level education. I am, however, as I indicated in a recent reply to the Deputy, considering the position of young people over 16 years of age who remain on at school to see if it can be improved.
534.
asked the Minister for Health when a disabled person's maintenance allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 as he applied in March 1984 and has completed medicals.
I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board regarding the case referred to by the Deputy. The board has approved the person's application for a disabled person's maintenance allowance. Payment at the maximum rate will commence shortly. Arrears retrospective to 30 March 1984 will be paid.