Minister of State for Disabilities Finian McGrath has expressed his full confidence in the new board of the Central Remedial Clinic.

The charity was embroiled in controversy in late 2013, over top-up payments and pension arrangements for a former CEO.

The CRC today published a five-year strategic plan which includes training and development for its staff.

Minister Finian McGrath said that he is optimistic about the future of the CRC.

“It’s very radical, it’s very progressive, but it’s also very transparent and very accountable,” he said.

“So I’ve tremendous confidence in the board and I know that the public and particularly locally in my own constituency … people are now going back to the CRC in relation to supporting them, in relation to funding and projects like that.

“I’d be very optimistic for the future of the CRC.”