Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 150: To ask the Minister for Social Protection whether the proposed partial capacity benefit scheme will lead to the recruitment of recipients to the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10174/12]

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 151: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if, under the proposed partial capacity benefit scheme, there will be an income disregard threshold provision in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10175/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the partial capacity benefit scheme was formally launched on Monday 13th February 2012. Full details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and an information leaflet has also been published.

The introduction of the partial capacity benefit scheme marks an important and positive development of the social welfare system. The scheme recognises that the welfare system, which categorised people as 'fit to work' or 'unfit to work', did not reflect the reality for many existing welfare customers. It provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, and assessed to have an employment capacity which is restricted when compared to the norm, to avail of employment opportunities while continuing to receive an income support payment. I believe that the scheme will facilitate greater levels of recruitment of people with disabilities into open market employment.

In this regard, I should mention also that there are a range of employment services which had been provided previously by FAS and which are now delivered through my Department which have recently been brought together under a new national identity - "EmployAbility Service". The service offers a range of supports, including workplace adaptation grants, wage subsidies and on-site job coaches and mentors, to people with disability and to employers, and is key in supporting people with disabilities overcome the challenges not only of adapting to employment and being accepted in the workplace but in demonstrating their productive capability and ability to do the job. The service also acts to reassure employers and give them the confidence to take what many perceive to be the risk of employing a person with a disability.

The partial capacity benefit scheme is open to people who are in receipt of invalidity pension or who have been in receipt of illness benefit for a minimum of six months. Participation in the scheme is voluntary and the scheme is designed in particular to respond to the needs of people who have sought to avail of 'exemptions' in order to take up employment opportunities. There is no means-test attached to the scheme and, accordingly, the question of an income disregard does not arise. There is no limit to the number of hours a person in receipt of partial capacity benefit may work and there are no earning limits.