Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2016
20. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of work placement schemes in relation to persons on social protection allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8927/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTús and Gateway are work placement initiatives which aim to provide work opportunities for those who are long-term unemployed and on the live register for a specific period. The eligibility criteria are in line with the Government’s policies to focus resources on maintaining the work readiness and employability of jobseekers on the live register. In order to maintain this focus, persons not in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment from the Department are not eligible for selection for these initiatives.
The Deputy should note, however, that persons in receipt of disability allowance (DA), and certain other payments from the Department, are eligible for a range of other activation initiatives. These include JobBridge, the rural social scheme, community employment, back to work and back to education allowances, as well as other education and training supports. Additionally, a range of supports designed specifically to support people with disabilities and employers (to offer and maintain job opportunities for people with disabilities) are funded and delivered by the Department. These include a wage subsidy scheme and resources to offset the costs of providing reasonable accommodation for the employment of a person with a disability or restricted mobility.
A person in receipt of DA is permitted and encouraged to work if their medical adviser recommends that such work is of a rehabilitative or therapeutic nature. They can earn up to €120 per week without it affecting their DA claim. Persons in receipt of DA also have the option of giving up their allowance in favour of jobseeker’s allowance if they wish to be considered for schemes such as Gateway and Tús, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
