Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise today to welcome the Windsor Framework. I pay a compliment not only to the Tánaiste but to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coveney, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, for the amount of work he has put into it over so many years. It is a combination of the work of both men and various other parties as well that has brought this forward. It is a good day and I hope it will be accepted.

I received an email from a gentleman who is on an invalidity pension. He has a number of neurological issues. Recently, the Department of Health released a draft policy on patient voice partners. It is about looking at people across diverse backgrounds across the country who have ailments or who are unable to work because of neurological conditions. The intention is that they would take part in surveys and contribute to research. The aim is to try to find out how people suffer, how they manage their pain and other such issues. Yet, the Department of Social Protection does not allow people in receipt of a pension to do voluntary work or paid work and this is considered voluntary work. It blocks the ability of people like the gentleman who contacted me to participate in relevant research.I do not have the same condition as that man but, if I applied, I would not be able to share the same things as him. There are a number of issues in regard to remuneration. They are expecting people with a condition to travel from all parts of Ireland but not to receive payment or even expenses to travel there because they are on a social welfare payment. This matter has to be looked at because people, such as this gentleman and others with these conditions, will help the research and must be included in it. There must be a reassessment in terms of social welfare and people who are volunteering.