Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
169. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider extending the supports that are in place for employers to employ and retain persons with disabilities to also include persons with disabilities who choose to become self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43944/20]
View answerAs a member of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities Implementation Group, my Department has committed to highlight the supports that are available to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market, or to retain in the workforce employees who acquire a disability.
The Department of Social Protection offers a number of workplace supports schemes for people with disabilities and their employers or prospective employers.
The EmployAbility Service is an employment and recruitment service that helps people who have a disability, an injury or and an illness to get and keep a job.
This service works through sponsor organisations in local communities on behalf of the DEASP and it is free of charge. It provides ongoing support for both the employer and employee throughout employment.
The EmployAbility Service’s supports for employers include, free recruitment and employment service, access to a dedicated workforce, a database of skilled jobseekers, ongoing professional support and advice on grants and supports.
Further information may be viewed through www.gov.ie at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/8578c4-access-the-employability-service/
My colleague Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Social Protection would be best placed to advise further on any extension to existing supports for employers.
My colleague, Minister Roderic O’Gorman, T.D, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth may also be of assistance in relation to disability policy development.
