Vol. 566 No. 2
46 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals that are in place or that she intends to put in place to encourage the employment of people with disabilities; the barriers that she has identified which hinder the employment of persons with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12296/03]
FÁS assists people with disabilities and employers through direct services or grant assistance. This includes the employment support scheme, workplace equipment/adaptation grant, job interview interpreter grant, personal reader grant, disability awareness training support scheme and the employee retention grant scheme. In addition, FÁS has responsibility for the operation of the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities and the supported employment programme, which aims to maximise employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs is conducting the review of various income maintenance payments for people with disabilities. The effectiveness of the range of social welfare employment supports available for people with disabilities and ensuring that such supports do not give rise to barriers to employment are some key elements of such a review. My Department and FÁS are participating in the process. The review will inform the future development of such employment supports.
