Vol. 478 No. 4
58 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health when additional funding will be available to extend the employment support scheme in view of the success of the scheme as operated by the National Rehabilitation Board, with funding from his Department to support people with disabilities in employment and in view of the commitment in Partnership 2000 to increase the numbers employed under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11194/97]
Limerick East): The employment support scheme (ESS) was introduced in 1990. The scheme is administered by the National Rehabilitation Board and offers financial support to employers to encourage them to employ people with disabilities whose work productivity levels are less than average.There are currently 410 people with disabilities in employment with the assistance of the ESS.
In view of the success of the scheme, funding has increased each year to meet the demand for places. In 1997 I allocated an additional £100,000 to the ESS bringing the allocation this year to £1,066,000. I am currently exploring ways, in consultation with the NRB, to improve the operation of the ESS and to provide funding to meet the commitment set out in Partnership 2000 to increase the numbers employed under the scheme up to 1,000 over the timeframe of the Partnership.
