Disability Issues
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-28
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Marian Harkin (IND), Sligo-Leitrim

It says here that the suspension of disability allowance payments while on full-time FET is a fundamental element of the agreed national funding model. It goes on to say that it ensures consistency in payment structures across all ETBs and training providers, and that would include Cluain in Tipperary. I will certainly go to the Department, but it does seem that while what the Senator asks could be of benefit, maybe the impact of it on the systems that are already in place might be substantial. I cannot really answer because it is not within my area of expertise, but I understand what he says, especially that it can be offputting when people with disabilities are faced with extra forms to fill. It is my understanding that the providers in question provide a lot of support to those people, but I will try to find out a little more on that specific issue.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:52+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-28