Govt Urged To Reverse 'Cruel Decision' To Scrap Rehabilitative Training Allowance

The government's "cruel decision" to scrap the Rehabilitative Training Allowance for new entrants must be reversed, Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Eamon Scanlon has said.

Deputy Scanlon, who first raised the matter in July, questioned the Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann and said the targeting of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities as a cost cutting measure is mean-spirited. He called on the Government to listen to the pleas made by young people with disabilities.

He said: "This allowance provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to develop enhanced life and social skills as well as equipping them with basic work skills. It more than proves its worth. It is relatively inexpensive but offers huge opportunities to people with disabilities.

"For the Government to target it as a cost cutting measure is just ridiculous. Its abolition will result in minimal savings for the Government, but it will have major ramifications for the students.

"I have spoken to young people who told me that the training vastly boosted their confidence levels and sense of self-worth. They are learning new skills and many of them talked about going on to other courses and education. Without this training allowance, this may not be possible", he concluded.

(MH/CM)