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Services for People with Disabilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Questions (331)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

331. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health to report on the input he has into the implementation of the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities; if this model of service provision could be replicated in other counties; if he will make the necessary funds available to such a project as part of a cross-departmental project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23162/16]

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Written answers

The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities sets out a ten-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities who are able to, and want to, work are supported and enabled to do so. People with disabilities are only half as likely to be in employment as others of working age. The reasons for this are complex, and include level of education and skills, fears around loss of benefits, employer know-how, low expectations, and limited re-entry to work following onset of a disability, as well as a higher incidence of ill-health.

The Strategy is a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and State agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment of people with disabilities. In tandem with that, it seeks to ensure there will be joined-up services and supports at local level to support individuals on their journey into and in employment.

Both my Department and the HSE are represented on the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Oversight Group chaired by Fergus Finlay, and are actively progressing the health-related actions found in the Strategy.

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