The development of services and policies to prevent social exclusion and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities operates through a cross government framework which includes relevant departments, agencies and, importantly, disability sector representatives, under a number of key national strategies and action plans. The two main national strategies in this area are the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is the lead Department with regards to both of these strategies.
In addition, on 10 June, Minister of State Rabbitte, launched an open call for Expressions of Interest to join the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. This announcement followed the launch of an initial public consultation on the Autism Innovation Strategy, which took place from 29 April 2022 to 30 May 2022. The Oversight and Advisory Group’s main role will be to oversee implementation of the Autism Innovation Strategy which aims to accelerate Ireland's journey towards becoming an autism-inclusive and neurodiverse-friendly society. Full details are available on Gov.ie.
The Department of Social Protection provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
In addition, the Department also provides a wide range of employment services and supports to assist jobseekers and existing employees with disabilities, and to incentivise employers in the private sector to both recruit (and support existing) employees with disabilities.
