Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)

I am pleased that the Minister has expressed an interest in looking forward to the outcome of Friday's discussions concerning the affected workers. I draw the Minister's attention to the fact that Rehab posted a surplus of €1.9 million in 2009 and a surplus of €2.3 million in 2010. I note the commitment by the Department of Social Protection to the wage subsidy scheme. However, I am at a loss to understand how these redundancies could be legitimate in the first instance if the State is subsidising €5.30 per hour of a €9.10 hourly rate based on €10,700 per annum. I call on the Minister to bear this in mind when she receives her report on Friday. How authentic are these redundancies? These are vulnerable people forced out the door. They have not volunteered for this process. I call on the Minister to take a particular interest in this situation.

I welcome the Pathways to Work initiative launched last week. It is a great policy innovation for the Department and the country. However, I hope it does not afford opportunities for organisations such as Rehab to consider shedding vulnerable workers and shift the liability of how people with disabilities are supported and maintained in employment. They make an invaluable contribution to employment. The organisation does not pay for raw materials. It is paid to take in raw materials and sell them on with an hourly subsidy of €5.10 per hour. I call on the Minister to give as much attention as possible to the outcome of Friday's discussions.

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