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The Social Democrats today called on the Minister for Disabilities to reverse the axing of the Rehabilitative Training Allowance for students with disabilities and to reinstate the €31.80 weekly payment for new students.
Dún Laoghaire Councillor Dave Quinn said:
“This modest allowance has enabled hundreds of school leavers with disabilities to undertake vital rehabilitative training courses. These courses enable the development of life skills, social skills and basic work skills, and they play a vital role in preparing students for work or further education.
“It’s cruel and short-sighted for the government and the HSE to turn around and axe this allowance for new entrants. Students depend on this payment to cover costs including transport, food and social activities.This cut places even more barriers to workplace participation in the way of people with disabilities. For many students, the axing of the weekly allowance will prevent them from starting a rehabilitative training course this month.
“One in four people with a disability live in consistent poverty compared with 8 per cent of the general population. This move by the HSE will further widen the poverty gap. The Government is not listening. The excuse for making this cut is truly ridiculous. An immediate reversal of the decision is needed so that new entrants can take up this vital educational step forward.”
ENDS
17th September 2019
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