Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will sanction an increase to the attendance allowance to service users on rehabilitative training and sheltered work programmes in view of the fact that it has not increased since 1 June 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16686/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for training of people with disabilities rested with the National Rehabilitation Board (NRB), prior to June 2000. Arising from the Government decision on mainstreaming of services for people with disabilities, the NRB was dissolved in June 2000 and responsibility for vocational training for people with disabilities was transferred from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and was vested in FÁS. Responsibility for rehabilitative training and sheltered work remained with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Boards.

Prior to June 2000, some categories of FÁS trainees, who are regarded as socially disadvantaged, e.g. travellers, lone parents, received a training bonus of £25 (€31.75) per week. This entitlement was extended by FÁS to people with disabilities in vocational training. In the interests of equity, the Department of Health and Children responded to the FÁS decision by introducing a similar payment (the rehabilitative training bonus) for rehabilitative trainees. As the Department of Health and Children's payment is linked to the FÁS payment, any consideration of a change in the rate is dependant on a prior decision being taken by FÁS to change the rate.

The Deputy's question also refers to an allowance payable to service users attending sheltered workshops. This payment, (known as a top-up payment to sheltered workers) is paid at the discretion of the service provider and is not a statutory payment. Therefore neither the Department of Health and Children nor the Health Service Executive is in a position to review such a payment.