Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
352. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of approvals made for the workplace equipment adaptation grant in each of the years 2018 to 2023, inclusive; the average timeline for approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18924/23]
View answerThe aim of the Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant (WEAG) is to increase the job opportunities for people with a disability by supporting any additional costs, related to the disability, incurred by private sector employers employing or retaining an employee with a disability or self-employed people with a disability. The scheme applies only to the additional costs of adapting workplace equipment or of provision of equipment arising from the individual’s disability.
A maximum grant of €6,350 can be given towards the cost of adaptations to premises or equipment. Applications in excess of this sum are considered on an individual basis up to a maximum of €9,523 if specialist training for assistive technology is required.
Table 1: Number of WEAG grants approved 2018-2023*
*Figures for 2023 are January to March inclusive
|
YEAR |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
WEAG |
44 |
40 |
41 |
29 |
34 |
8 |
Table 2: Value of WEAG grants 2018-2023*
*Figures for 2023 are January to March inclusive
|
YEAR |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023* |
|
WEAG |
€100,023 |
€81,984 |
€83,968 |
€65,118 |
€71,319 |
€14,023 |
Information is not collated on the average timeline for approvals as each application is assessed on an individual basis in the Intreo Centres across the country.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
