Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding these two things, in terms of the cost of disability, the report has been published, as I said. The Department of Social Protection has taken actions to improve employment supports for people with disabilities. Additionally, the earnings disregard for those receiving disability allowance and the blind pension has increased several times in recent years.

A lot of action has been taken to improve incomes. We are looking at the report on the cost of disability in the context of the budget. A range of lump-sum payments were included in budget 2023 to address increases in the cost of living. The review of the reasonable accommodation fund and the disability awareness support scheme was published recently.

On the employment issue, the wage subsidy scheme is being reviewed, with a public consultation being held over the summer. We must do better in employing people with disabilities and giving better opportunities. This applies both to the State, through its Departments and agencies, acting to reach the target that was set and so forth, and to the private sector generally. That is an important aspect if we are to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities.

On the section 39 workers, discussions are still under way and there is engagement between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the social partners involved. Those discussions will continue with a view to achieving a resolution of that issue.

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