Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2007
16 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendation contained in the Government’s mental health policy A Vision for Change that evidence based approaches to training and employment for people with mental health problems should be adopted and such programmes should be put in place by the agencies with responsibility in this area. [15618/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraVocational training and employment programmes for people with disabilities, including those with mental health difficulties, are delivered by FÁS.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for training, and the appropriate supports are put in place to meet their particular individual needs. Where the disabled person cannot meet the requirements of mainline vocational training, with training supports, the individual is referred to specialist training providers contracted by FÁS.
FÁS has adopted an evidence-based approach to the operation of its vocational training and employment programmes for people with disabilities.
For example, a review of the pilot programme for supported employment for people with disabilities was conducted on behalf of FÁS in 2003. Supported employment is one of the models referred to in ‘A Vision for Change' and found to have potential in improving vocational and psychosocial outcomes for service users. The 2003 review concluded that the programme was successful in assisting people with disabilities, with the appropriate supports, to access open labour market employment. It concluded that this form of supported employment is suitable for all major forms of disability, e.g., mental health, learning, sensory, physical. Following that review the pilot programme was rolled out by FÁS on a full programme basis. Funding for the FÁS supported programme has subsequently increased by some €2.5 million to €8.5 million in 2007.
Another example of the use of the use of an evidenced-based approach is a consultancy study that was undertaken in 2006 on behalf of my Department, FÁS, and the Department of Health and Children into the efficiency and effectiveness of vocational training and rehabilitative training services provided by specialist training providers for people with disabilities. This study concluded that such vocational training services have a positive impact, given the high percentage of trainees who move to employment and progression. Its recommendations are being considered for implementation in the months ahead.
In general, the Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005 outlines my Department's key initiatives in promoting equality opportunities for disabled people in the open labour market, including its ‘Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities'. This Strategy proposes to enhance the effectiveness of employment and vocational training programmes for people with disabilities, and to further develop supports to the open market employment of people with disabilities, within both the private and public sectors.
