Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the services her Department provides for those from the autistic community; if she will consider developing a criteria of benefits for the needs of those with the autistic spectrum disorder condition and specifically for those who become adults at 18 years of age and fall between benefits; if she will consider developing a policy and a new social welfare payment to take into consideration these circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28890/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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My Department provides a range of income and employment supports for people with disabilities, including those with autism. The disability allowance (DA) scheme provides income support to people aged between 16 and 66 who have an injury, disease or physical or mental disability that has continued or may be expected to continue for at least one year and who are consequently substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of the same age, experience and qualifications. In addition, the domiciliary care allowance (DCA) represents a very important support to parents and guardians who live with, and care for, children with a disability. I do not believe that it is necessary or appropriate to consider introducing separate social welfare schemes to address the needs of people with specific disabilities.

In regard to employment supports, the Department’s supported employment programme, which operates nationwide under the “EmployAbility” banner, provides the services of a job-coach for those wishing to take up employment opportunities. Other relevant supports would include the wage subsidy scheme and the work equipment adaptation grant.