Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2006
205 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department’s policy for people with a disability to avail of training, sheltered employment, employment opportunities and other supports that are in place; the number of people enrolled in such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38077/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is committed to addressing the needs of those with disabilities, and furthering the policy of mainstreaming services to help them to play a full and active part in society.
The Sectoral Plan advanced by the Department in accordance with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, which was published in July, 2006, outlines key initiatives to further promote equality of opportunity for disabled people in the open labour market.
These include the implementation of a comprehensive employment strategy for disabled people. This strategy will address the effectiveness of employment and vocational training programmes, and will involve developing supports to the open market employment of disabled people in both the private and public sectors for this category of workers.
In 2006 the total budget provision for FÁS vocational training and employment services amounts to almost €68 million, including a budget of over €47 million for specialist training providers.
As at end October, 2006 the numbers of disabled people in FÁS programmes were as follows:
|
Specialist Training Providers |
1,336 |
|
Community Employment |
4,996 |
|
Supported Employment |
2,000 |
|
Wage Subsidy Scheme |
288 |
|
Total |
8,620 |
Responsibility for rehabilitative training and sheltered workshops falls within the remit of the Department of Health and Children.
