Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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233. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to include persons on disability allowance in the Gateway scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44175/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Gateway is a joint initiative between this Department and county and city councils which will provide short-term work placement opportunities with county and city councils. The objectives of Gateway include assisting the personal and social development of participants, supporting the work-readiness of people who are unemployed for two or more years and bridging the gap between unemployment and re-entering the workforce. Eligibility is confined to those in receipt of a job seekers payment from the Department of Social Protection. These provisions are to ensure a highly targeted approach to those who are becoming long term unemployed. A person cannot apply for a Gateway. All selection is by way of random selection by the Department of Social Protection from those 24 months or more unemployed and in receipt of a jobseeker's payment at the time of selection.

Persons in receipt of disability allowance are eligible for a range of other job activation initiatives of more rehabilitative nature, including community employment. The Deputy should note that I increased the range of options available to persons in receipt of disability allowance last year as JobBridge - the national internship scheme – was broadened to include people in receipt of disability allowance.