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

I will be precise and very clear. First, there is no cut in the rehabilitative training bonus payment. Second, there is no cut in the number of rehabilitative training places. Third, all rehabilitative training participants are eligible to receive the disability allowance of €203 per week and receive a free travel pass. No expectation of receipt of the rehabilitative training bonus payment has been created by the HSE, or anybody else, for the 2019 participants on rehabilitative training programmes.

On the money that will be reallocated for other services, I take the Deputy’s point that some people have concerns. The Minister, Deputy Harris, made representations to ensure the money would be ring-fenced. During the week I received a letter from Mr. Paul Reid, chief executive officer of the HSE, in which he said, “I am happy to confirm that the moneys accrued from the discontinuation of the rehabilitative training bonus payment will be used (1) to provide enhanced disability day services for the current recipients of day services that have been part of time placements and (2) to provide day services for those adults that will require a HSE funded service”. He also acknowledged that he would keep in regular contact with the Department of Health. My officials will keep in contact with him to ensure the moneys are spent on front-line services.

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