Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The development and provision of services and policies to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities operates through a cross-government framework with other Departments, agencies and, importantly, disability sector representatives. The disability awareness support scheme provides a contribution towards cost-of-disability awareness training for private sector employers. Funding of up to €20,000 is available, with 90% of the eligible training costs funded in the first year and 80% funded in subsequent years. The training to be delivered must provide clear and accurate information about disability, address questions that employers or employees may have and cover anti-discrimination and equal opportunities legislation.

The grant is demand led, so the number and value of the grants provided are linked to the number of applications received. In 2022, four employers applied for funding under the scheme, with three receiving funding. The total value of the grants issued in 2022 was €14,531.

It is clear that the low uptake of the grant needs to be examined. Under the comprehensive employment strategy, my Department has committed to undertake a review of the scheme. The aim of the review is to improve the effectiveness of the scheme. The work for this review is being scoped and it is expected that the review will commence later this year. In addition, my Department continues to promote the grant among employers and raise awareness of the supports available. In 2022, my Department held 668 employer events where supports promoted included the disability awareness support scheme. There are plans to build on this in 2023. The scheme is also promoted through contracted public employment service providers such as EmployAbility and by the Employers for Change service, which is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and aims to deliver a national employer disability information service.

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