Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming here to discuss this all-important topic. He is taking it on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys. My question relates to people who are in receipt of disability allowance and who want to re-enter the workplace or go out volunteering. Not everybody ends up availing of the disability allowance for the same reason and one size does not fit all. People end up availing of the disability allowance for various reasons. Some of them have debilitating illnesses which mean they are well for a couple of weeks but may then be unwell for a period. Just because people are physically unable to do things does not mean they are mentally unable to do things. Many people need to be able to go to work to keep their brains going. They have much to give to the workplace but the biggest issue is that they are in fear of losing their welfare allowances. We need to work with people who have disabilities and encourage them to come into the workplace, especially when their health is good.

Many people cannot work for various reasons but love to volunteer with organisations and bring their skill sets to bear. However, there is a lot of red tape involved to allow people to volunteer because it is considered a form of work. I would like to see the Department of Social Protection working with people with such skills sets and who want to go out there and make a contribution to their communities or to different organisations. I would like something to happen for these people. We must ensure that at the same time, they do not lose their welfare payments.