Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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143. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding young persons with a disability seeking employment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41310/14]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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178. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding employment for young persons with a disability (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41280/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 178 together.

The Government recognises the importance of increasing participation in employment for persons with a disability and is committed to removing barriers which prevent those persons with a disability from availing of employment opportunities. The Department provides a wide range of income and work-related supports specifically for people with disabilities and these supports are also available to all young persons with a disability. These supports include:

- the EmployAbility service (formerly the Supported Employment Programme), which facilitates people with disabilities into paid employment in the open labour market; and

- a number of other supports specifically for employers (the Wage Subsidy Scheme - which pays an employer a subsidy for employing a person with a disability; the Work Equipment Adaptation Grant, the Employee Retention Grant, and the Disability Awareness Scheme).

The national internship programme – Jobbridge – is also open to people with disabilities while the activation service managed by the Department – Intreo – is available to any person with a disability who wishes to avail of the service.

It should also be noted that persons in receipt of disability allowance (DA) can take up employment and avail of an earnings disregard of up to €120 per week without affecting their rate of DA payment.