Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sheltered Work Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

422 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements relating to pay in sheltered workshops for persons with a disability; the way which the rates of pay compare with the statutory minimum wage; and if consideration has been given to raising pay levels closer to the minimum wage. [9034/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Payments to people with disabilities in sheltered work services are not linked to the minimum wage and national agreement increases. People with disabilities attending sheltered work services currently retain their primary and secondary state disability benefits. Many service users also receive an additional weekly payment from service providers. If persons availing of these services were to receive the minimum wage they would lose their entitlement to state disability benefits.

A working group established by my Department in August 2000 to draw up a code of practice for sheltered work is currently in the final stages of its assignment. The working group has been asked to specifically address the issues of the status and remuneration of people with disabilities in sheltered work services. These issues will be considered in depth when the working group makes its recommendations.