Employment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Questions (449)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

449. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons for the delay in completing the reasonable accommodation fund review and consultation, due to be completed by the end of 2019 under commitments within the comprehensive employment strategy; when the review report will be published; if the report will include recommendations to address the concerns of deaf people who are often marginalised in the workplace due to a lack of communication support; and when recommendations in the report will be implemented. [25653/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Reasonable Accommodation Fund aims to support the employment of disabled people by providing financial support to help make workplaces more accessible.

The review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund is near finalisation and I expect to publish it in the coming weeks. The aim of the review is to improve the effectiveness of the supports to employees and employers, to identify gaps in provision, and to improve the application and payment processes.

In Budget 2023 I announced an additional €1 million for improvements to the scheme, which will be informed by the recommendations in the forthcoming review.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.