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Job Creation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Ceisteanna (641)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

641. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce the supports for employment initiatives for persons with hearing loss or visual impairment as announced in January 2020 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21218/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has an approved €5 million allocation under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2020 which will provide Measures to Support and Improve Employment Opportunities for Carers and Persons with a Disability.

The funding will support three measures as follows:

- Measure 1 - Access to Employment and Training/Education Supports for Family Carers: this funding will be targeted at promoting social inclusion and assisting family carers to build and retain contact with the labour market and training/educational opportunities. Up to €2m of the funding available will be allocated to projects which support this measure.

- Measure 2 - Initiatives to Support and Develop Young Carers: this measure will seek to reduce the impact of caring on the young carer in terms of their education, socialising and future education or employment opportunities. This funding will also seek to raise awareness and provide acknowledgement of the role of young carers in schools and their local communities. Up to €1m of the funding available will be allocated to projects which support this measure.

- Measure 3 - Access to Employment and Self Employment for People with a Disability: this measure will seek to promote social inclusion and assist people with disabilities in engaging with the labour market and training/educational opportunities. Up to €2m of the funding available will be allocated to projects which support this measure. The priority target group for this measure is people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafened or who are Blind, or have Visual Impairment, or who have Multiple Disabilities with a Visual Impairment. This measure will offer them practical support to start working and stay supported in work. Applications will also be considered for people with other disabilities who may benefit from this support to improve their employment opportunities or outcomes.

The scheme is being administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department and my officials have worked with them to finalise the programme specifications. Full information including application forms and guidelines will be available shortly on the Pobal website at: www.Pobal.ie

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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