Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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561. To ask the Minister for Health if the decision to abolish the rehabilitative training allowance will be reversed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4422/20]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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This Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. The commitment is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Under the New Directionsday service policy, all HSE funded Day Services are expected to be provided on an equitable basis, while also ensuring that the use of finite resources is maximised. There is a strong overlap between the day supports now provided as part of the New Directions approach and the programmes being offered by Rehabilitative Training.

The clear policy rationale of not making the Rehabilitative Training bonus payment to new entrants is to ensure access to high quality services to those who need them, on an equitable basis. Since September 2019, new entrants no longer receive the bonus payment, in line with those attending similar training programmes.

Individuals already in receipt of the bonus payment will continue to receive it for the duration of their course. Most people with disabilities are now in receipt of the Disability Allowance (€203 per week) paid through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

The savings made from the phasing out of the Bonus payment are ring fenced to facilitate provision of additional full and part time day placements nationally, based on priority need.

The HSE has advised the Department that in the period from September to 31^stDecember 2019, 22 additional full-time placements and 19 additional part time placements were funded by the redirected monies. Each of these places has enhanced the lives of people, and their families. Enhanced service hours are enabling service users to be part of their local communities and enjoy greater choices about how they spend their time, while providing valuable social opportunities for families. In addition, adults who were heretofore not in receipt of any service are now engaging with their communities and experiencing new opportunities, having previously been socially isolated.

The cost of restoring the allowance would be c. €4m over 4 years, and in addition to this an alternative funding stream would be required for the day service placements already funded, and for those identified for a place in the coming months. Furthermore, the reintroduction of an allowance solely for RT programme attendees will create inequality, given that other training courses and services delivering similar programmes will not receive it.