Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
763. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered providing a grant to businesses to increase accessibility in their premises for wheelchair users and other persons with mobility impairments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14360/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a wide range of income and employment supports to assist jobseekers and employees with disabilities, and their employers. These supports include the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the Disability Awareness Support Scheme.
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund provides financial support for people with disabilities and for employers to help make their workplaces more accessible. One of the supports available currently under this scheme is the Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant which provides funding towards modifications such as ramps to increase accessibility for wheelchair users and others with mobility issues.
In August 2023 I published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme and my officials have been working on a reformed scheme based on the recommendations from this review. This new set of supports will make increased funding available for workplace adaptations and I will also be opening the scheme to other employers, for example the community and voluntary sector. The new scheme will be available later this month.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
