Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps he has taken or will take to address the loss of jobs by 14 disabled workers at the Rehab Enterprises cardboard box manufacturing facility on the Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny, given the announcement this month by Rehab Enterprises that it will close the facility and that these special needs workers all qualify for the wage subsidy scheme; if he will intervene and secure the facts regarding the economics of this enterprise; if the closure is irreversible, if he will help ensure alternative employment is secured in the Kilkenny area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13674/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The wage subsidy scheme (WSS) is a support to private sector employers, providing financial incentives to employers who take on people with a disability for between 21 and 39 hours per week under a contract of employment. Rehab Enterprises, which is one of the largest organisations providing employment to people with disabilities in Ireland, was closely involved in the setting up of this scheme.

Rehab Enterprises currently employs 17 people at its cardboard box manufacturing facility in the Hebron Industrial Estate in Kilkenny. 14 of these employees have disabilities, 13 of whom are supported through the WSS.

Officials from my Department have been in contact with Rehab Enterprises regarding their plans to close their facility in Kilkenny. I understand that the closure of this facility is due to the availability of lower cost packaging from elsewhere and as a result the business is considered to be no longer viable. Rehab Enterprises have stated that they are committed to continuing to employ the members of this workforce through redeployment. However, where another reasonable role is not available, Rehab has undertaken to work with each person to help them to get alternative employment, training or other activity, which meet their needs and wishes. Furthermore, my Department will assist and work with Rehab to provide appropriate supports to the people affected by this announcement, which may include assistance from the local EmployAbility service and for those who have an income support need, expediting applications for disability allowance or other suitable payment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy