I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 406 together.
My Department provides a range of income and employment supports for people with disabilities including those with autism. The disability allowance (DA) represents an important income support to people who are unfit for work. Also, domiciliary care allowance (DCA) represents a very important support to parents and guardians who live with, and care for, children with a disability.
However, eligibility on medical conditions, for any illness-related benefit/allowance will depend on the severity and expected duration of the condition, and in the case of carers the care requirements. All applications are assessed on a claim-by-claim basis.
In regard to employment support, the Department’s supported employment programme operated under the “EmployAbility” banner provides the services of a job-coach for those wishing to take up employment opportunities. Other relevant supports would include the wage subsidy scheme and the work equipment adaptation grant. I encourage private sector employers to avail of these supports to increase the participation rates of people with disabilities in the labour market.