Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1200. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports provided by her Department for those in employment that have intellectual disabilities and may need additional supports to remain in the workplace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24979/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1245. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the employability services used by those seeking employment can also be utilised by a person that is already in employment but due to their intellectual disabilities requires some additional supports to remain in that employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24978/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is proposed to take Questions Nos. 1200 and 1245 together.
My Department provides a range of work related supports for people with disabilities and their employers. Participation in such schemes are of course voluntary in nature.
These supports include both the DEASP’s Intreo service and also the EmployAbility service, which is a nationwide service that provides employment support for people with a health condition, injury, illness or disability and a recruitment advice service for the business community to support such jobseekers. The overall objective of the service is to increase the numbers of people with disabilities participating in employment in the open labour market by helping the client of the service obtain and maintain employment (by supporting them in the workplace for up to 18 months).
The services are primarily designed for people with disabilities who are currently not in employment but who would like to participate in the open labour market rather than persons who are already in employment.
My Department also provides a range of grants under the reasonable accommodation fund, which comprises employment supports to assist people with disabilities to access and retain employment. These include the employee retention grant scheme; and the workplace equipment adaptation grant. The Employee Retention Grant Scheme is open to all companies in the private sector. Funding is available to support the retention of any existing employee, at any level and occupation within the company, who acquires an illness, condition or impairment which impacts on his/her current ability to do his/her job. Further information and details of how to apply for workplace support grants are available on the Department’s website at
https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Workplace-Supports-Contact-List.aspx.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
