Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 December 2019
301. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to sustain the programme of individual placement and support beyond the service reform fund funding period; if individual placement and support falls under the comprehensive employment strategy for which she is responsible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52082/19]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality is the lead department with regard to Ireland’s Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities.
On 3 December, the Department of Justice and Equality published a revised action plan to support the delivery of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy objectives in the coming years. The revised plan (available at: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/CES_Action_Plan_2019_to_2021.pdf/Files/CES_Action_Plan_2019_to_2021.pdf) sets out a range of actions across various Government departments and agencies and was agreed following consultation with the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group chaired by Fergus Finlay.
As set out in the revised plan, the HSE is the lead agency with regards to the individual placement and support service (IPS) and has entered into service level agreements for the delivery of same as part of its service for persons who have experienced or are experiencing mental health difficulties. The IPS element of the service is delivered in each of the HSE's Community Health Organisation areas across the country and is integrated into the work of its adult mental health teams.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
