Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2016
127. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the findings from the evaluation of the disability activation project that operated under the previous European Social Fund operational programme; if these projects will be resourced under the comprehensive strategy for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13877/16]
View answer128. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of meetings of the interdepartmental group held to examine the disability activation project since its establishment in October 2015; the Departments that attended and inputted; the outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13878/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The evaluation of the Disability Activation (DACT) project, conducted by Indecon International Economic Consultants on behalf of the department, found that although the projects had a number of innovative features and provided positive learning and development experiences, as well as health and social inclusion benefits for participants, the projects showed weak outcomes as a labour market activation measure. The evaluation also determined that the activities pursued under the projects had a greater impact as ‘pre-activation’ programmes, designed to bring participants with a disability nearer to the labour market, rather than being geared specifically towards achieving defined labour market activation/employment outcomes. The report of the evaluation is available on the department’s website: https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Other-Publications-.aspx
The interdepartmental working group set up to examine the findings of the report has met on two occasions and a third meeting is currently being planned. Membership of the working group comprises representatives of departments that have commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities. This strategy provides for learning from the projects to be used to inform policy development. Officials from the Departments of Education and Skills, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Health and Social Protection as well as representatives from the National Disability Authority have attended and inputted into the deliberations of the group.
This working group has been tasked with identifying the next steps in the context of future Disability Activation activities under the new ESF programme, Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL), 2014-2020. This new ESF programme provides €10 million in funding for future disability activation activities.
While this group has not yet concluded its work, I am satisfied that it will provide a practical means for advancing the positive aspects of the work identified in the DACT evaluation.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
