Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
186. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the submission she has received from the Irish Association of Supported Employment; if she is in a position to respond favourably to a new funding arrangement based on an annual service agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10534/15]
View answerWhile I acknowledge the valuable contribution the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) is making in this area, I regret there is no provision in Department of Social Protection estimates to provide funding as proposed and IASE were advised accordingly at the end of last year.
I would add that given that the HSE has responsibility for a wide range of supports for people with disabilities – including supported employment in the context of day-care services – I believe funding through the HSE is the most appropriate mechanism for supporting IASE’s work.
