Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that I received the framework on 20 September. I accept the Deputy's point. I am informed that the HSE will publish it within weeks.

I work very closely with the neuro-rehabilitation services. I visit many of the centres and meet many of the people involved in them. One of the first groups I thought of last Friday when the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, and I announced changes to the medical card system to give effect to the key recommendation of the Make Work Pay report for persons with a disability was the young men and women I have met in the past three years, particularly those with physical disabilities. I was delighted to be part of the announcement that the earnings disregard for persons in receipt of disability allowance will be substantially increased from €120 to €427 a week. That is an increase of more than 250% in the earnings disregard for people with a disability.

We have to drive this issue. It is very important that we support the rehabilitation strategy and plans. That is a priority for me and I will drive forward this project in the next couple of weeks.

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