Gino Kenny Criticises Government For Axing Training Grants To People With Disabilities

“Callous policy of an uncaring Government.”

People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny, said he is “alarmed” at the recent decision to axe a training grant paid to people with disabilities. From September onwards, new disabled entrants will not receive the €31.80 allowance when they commence their rehabilitative training programmes. People already in receipt of the grant will continue to receive it until their training ends. The grant covers costs such as transport, lunch and trips taken as part of their course.

Deputy Kenny said: “I have been contacted by a number of people with disabilities in my constituency who are deeply disappointed about the axing of the training grant and the impact it will have on their already extremely limited income. This move is another further example of the callous policy of this Government as it struggles to save money because of its mismanagement and cost overruns in the health service.

“Choosing to penalise one of the most marginalised and vulnerable groups in society is beyond reason and they should immediately reverse this decision and reinstate the grant so that new entrants can cover the extra costs associated with participating in rehabilitative training.

“I do not accept the Government’s rationale that the paltry savings made will be used to provide day services for people with an intellectual disability. This is akin to robbing Peter to pay Paul and is further evidence of the steady erosion of funding for people with disabilities. It makes a complete mockery of the Government’s stated commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).