Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
475. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of advocates in the National Advocacy Services for persons with disabilities; the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of advocates by 8, 15 and 40 staff respectively, in tabular form [27869/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) provides a confidential, free and representative advocacy service. The NAS adheres to professional standards and it has a particular remit for people with disabilities who are isolated from their community and services.
NAS is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has a mandate under the Citizens Information Act 2007 to provide advocacy services to individuals, in particular those with a disability. There are currently 28 advocates working in NAS.
In relation to the costs of employing advocates, I am informed that the following is the estimated full year cost of adding additional advocates:
|
Advocates |
Salary |
Overheads |
Total estimated cost |
|
8 |
€429,664 |
€107,416 |
€537,080 |
|
15 |
€805,620 |
€201,405 |
€1,007,025 |
|
40 |
€2,148,321 |
€537,080 |
€2,685,401 |
(Salary based on point 3 of the scale.)
