Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the schemes that are open to persons on disability payments to enable them to gain experience in a particular career; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38167/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Persons with a disability who meet the entry criteria are able to participate in the full range of FÁS programmes and services. Persons with a disability may call into a FÁS Employment Service Office or Local Employment Service Office to meet with an Employment Services Officer or Mediator who will provide them with full information, advice and guidance in relation to training and employment.

The Supported Employment Programme, operated by FÁS, is an employment and recruitment service to assist people with a disability to secure and maintain a job in the open labour market. The range of supports provided by job coaches under the programme include work experience placements as well as support with the job application process, matching skills with employers needs and assistance with integrating into the workplace.

As well as the Supported Employment Programme, a range of other supports are also available to support the employment of people with disabilities. These include the Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme, the Reasonable Accommodation Fund for the Employment of Disabled People, the Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant and the Employee Retention Grant Scheme.