Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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757. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on the implementation of the programme for Government commitment for a fit for work scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many persons with disabilities regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25648/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The recently agreed programme for a partnership government provides for a range of actions that are designed to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. One of these actions is a proposal for the Departments of Health and Social Protection to work together to pursue a “Fit for Work Programme” to support more people with an illness or disability to get back to work through early intervention.

The “Fit for Work” proposal is based on the findings of a pan European study, which examined the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on an individual’s ability to work. The Irish module of this study was progressed by a coalition of key stakeholders and was led by Arthritis Ireland. The Irish College of General Practitioners, ICTU, IBEC and the Health & Safety Authority also contributed to the study.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I am aware of the concerns of people with disabilities and that early interventions and developing return to work practices in the case of people with musculoskeletal incapacities is consistent with my Department’s approach to illness/disability income support, which aims to reduce the number of people progressing to chronic disability and long-term social welfare dependency.

While specific proposals around the design and operation of a “Fit for Work Programme” require further development and examination, my Department has commenced engagement with the Department of Health and other Government Department stakeholders and this engagement will continue into 2017.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that any such proposals will be in line with the wealth of evidence which shows that generally employment is good for one’s mental and physical health and well-being and, conversely, that unemployment is damaging.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.