Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of disabled persons in sheltered or supported employment earning less than the minimum wage. [15505/05]

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average wage awarded to disabled persons in sheltered or supported employment. [15506/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.

FÁS provides a grant to sponsors of the supported employment programme to fund the provision of co-ordinators and job coaches in order to provide support to people with disabilities in employment. The supported employment programme is designed to assist in the integration of persons with a disability into a job in the open labour market, leading to independence and career progression. The terms of employment contracts, including the wage rates, are agreed between employers and employees and are covered by the relevant employment legislation, including that relating to the national minimum wage.

In regard to sheltered employment, my Department has responsibility for the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities, PEP, and FÁS pays an annual subvention to Gandon Enterprises in regard to 182 places. The terms of employment contracts, including the wage rates, are agreed between employers and employees and are covered by the relevant employment legislation, including that relating to the national minimum wage.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the entity which pays disabled persons on the NTDI's community workshop scheme to manufacture products for private companies. [15507/05]

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average wage of disabled persons on the NTDI's community workshop scheme. [15508/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 203 together.

FÁS contracts with NTDI and other agencies to provide training to people with disabilities who are deemed capable of accessing the open labour market. All trainees are paid a standard training allowance, average €179 per week, by the NTDI. Some trainees may also retain their social welfare entitlements, depending on their circumstances.

Training is delivered via three delivery methods: centre based, distance learning and company based. FÁS has no responsibility for persons who are employed in NTDI workshops. This is a matter for the company itself.