Written answers

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Departmental Strategies

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress she is making with regard to the implementation of the 33 actions of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities that she has responsibility for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26534/18]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) for People with Disabilities (2015-2024) was developed in consultation with Government Departments, State Agencies, the National Disability Authority, the Disability Stakeholder Group and the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, and adopted by Government in October 2015. The ten year strategy is a cross-Government approach co-ordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality and provides a roadmap to ensure that people with a disability who are able to and want to work are supported and enabled to do so.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has been assigned direct responsibility for progress under 20 actions in the CES and shares responsibility for delivery of another 13 actions with other Departments and Agencies. I would point out that the initial year of the CES was very much a foundation year and involved the completion of a number of key pathfinding reviews and evaluations including the Review of the DACT (Disability Activation) programme, the Review of EmployAbility and the completion of the Survey of Disability Allowance recipients. The outcomes and learning from these evaluations and the survey data has informed subsequent progress including the development of the Ability programme, the Make Work Pay Report, and the progressive extension of Intreo supports to people with disabilities.

My Department has compiled 2 tables charting progress against the actions in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy. One table outlines progress on the recommendations assigned specifically to my department while the other provides a summary of progress where the department has a shared responsibility for an action.

Examples of progress include:-

- My Department has progressively rolled out its full Intreo service to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service on a voluntary basis. This service is being provided across the national network of Intreo Centres.

- A Benefits of Work Estimator has been developed and is available on MyWelfare.ie and can be accessed through Welfare.ie.

- A Review of Partial Capacity Benefit has been completed and published and will be progressed in the context of the broader Make Work Pay recommendations (in particular the recommendation on early engagement).

- The Make Work Pay Report is complete with recommendations directed at DEASP and other agencies. Some actions have already been implemented while some others are subject to further consultation process for persons with disabilities.

- A fast track return to Disability Allowance has been implemented following the recommendations of the MWP Report. Information on how to avail of the fast track return is provided on DEASP website.

I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Table 1: Update on CES actions allocated solely to DEASP

ActionAction DetailsProgress to Date
1.12Enhance process to engage with people with disabilities using results of analysis of existing database of people with disabilities receiving income supports from DSP (to be carried out in 2015), to include outcomes of the DACT Projects and the review of EmployAbility service.- Evaluation of DACT has been completed and published

- Review of Employability has been completed and published

- Survey of a Disability Allowance sample has been completed and published

- Ability Programme developed and launched
1.13Learning from relevant Disability Activation Projects, which addressed the needs of younger people with disabilities and the transition from education into work, will inform policy development.- Evaluation of DACT has been completed and published

- Ability Programme developed.
2.2Implement recommendations from the review of Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS)- Revision of WSS Scheme Operational Guidelines completed and implemented

- DSP Staff Development Unit have revised eLearning module to ensure consistency in administration of the scheme
2.3DSP to promote work sampling for a defined period of time through programmes including the EmployAbility Service- The EmployAbility work trial programme provides EmployAbility participants with the opportunity to try out a job in the open labour market.
2.4DSP to work proactively with employers to provide work placements.- DSP Employer Engagement promotes workplace supports for people with disabilities on an ongoing basis.

- EmployAbility enables employers to support the progression and retention of people with disabilities and facilitates recruitment while facilitating the development of innovative employment and progression opportunities

- Information pack available for employers on employment of persons with disabilities
2.5DSP to explore the idea of expanding internships as a recruitment route for the private sectors. (DPER to explore alternative recruitment routes see action 6.7)- DA recipients were avail of opportunities through JobBridge and the First Steps programme was available to people with disabilities who were under 25.

- A new Youth Employment Support Scheme will be introduced in 2018. It will be open to people with disabilities who are in receipt of Disability Allowance, or Blind Pension and who have been out of the workforce for 12 months or more or who experience a significant barrier to work.

- AHEAD works with graduates and employers through the Graduate Forum and the Mentored Work Placement Programme. AHEAD coordinates , a worldwide network of professionals promoting the inclusion of students & graduates with disabilities in Higher Education managed by 6 European partner organisations.
2.6

Use Intreo as a gateway to employment activation for people with disabilities.

On a phased basis from February 2015 a person with a disability will be offered an interview with an employment officer. The employment officer in conjunction with the individual will draw up an appropriate action plan

The person will also be recorded on the Department’s records as being an INTREO customer

Learning from first Phase together with training of staff and general operational issues will be taken into account in determining the extension of the service to other locations.
- The Department has progressively rolled out its full Intreo service to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service on a voluntary basis. This service is being provided across the national network of Intreo Centres.

- In addition, officers in INTREO Centres have received training, to enable them to interact effectively with people with disabilities.

- Training of over 60 Employment Support Officers was completed in March 2016.

- In November 2016, building on the March training event the then Case Officer learning path was replaced by the L8 Certificate in Professional Practice in Employability Services provided through the National College of Ireland.

- As part of the implementation of the MWP work report, DEASP has undertaken a major consultation exercise with disability stakeholders in relation to early engagement through the Intreo service. Results of the consultation are being finalised currently.
2.7Review the effectiveness and efficiency of the EmployAbility service; explore whether the service can be more responsive to the needs of people with continuing or with episodic support needs; and consider the merits of the 'place and train' model.- Review of the EmployAbility Service completed and published.

- DEASP has set up regular reviews with representatives of EmployAbility service to progress implementation of recommendations of review
2.8Assess outcomes from DACT projects and develop strategy for implementing key learning- Evaluation of the DACT projects completed.

- Ability Programme Developed
3.1Implement ready reckoners that provide people with disabilities with information of what they could earn over a period of time if they take a job.- A Benefits of Work Estimator has been developed and is available on MyWelfare.ie and can be accessed through Welfare.ie
3.2Continue to support people with disabilities to access further training and employment opportunities through the relevant programmes that include the EmployAbility Service, the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Reasonable Accommodation Fund, JobBridge and the Back-to-Education Allowance.- Review of the EmployAbility Service Completed.

- WSS Guidelines Revised.

- The Department has rolled out its full Intreo service to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service on a voluntary basis.

- Revision of guidance notes and training material for employment supports for people with disabilities complete.
3.3Review range of income supports for people with disabilities to ensure consistency, enhanced links between income support and employment, appropriate access to supports and effective controls.- Review of Partial Capacity Benefit completed and published and will be progressed in the context of the broader Make Work Pay recommendations (in particular the recommendation on early engagement)

- Make Work Pay Report complete with recommendations directed at DEASP and other agencies. Some actions have already been implemented while some others are subject to further consultation process for persons with disabilities.
3.4Continue to ensure that resumption of welfare payment is as streamlined as possible for people who may be in and out of work due to the episodic nature of their disability.- A fast track return to Disability Allowance has been implemented following the recommendations of the MWP Report.

- Information on how to avail of the fast track return is provided on DEASP website
4.1Promote and support strategies for intervention in the early stages of absence from work due to acquired disability.

These strategies will be based on evaluation of the relevant DACT project. They will also include people with mental health difficulties.
- See also 4.2 below (IEMHS and IPS). DEASP worked with the HSE, Genio and Mental Health Reform in the Integrating Employment and Mental Health Support (IEMHS) project. The project demonstrated how existing mental health and supported employment (EmployAbility) services can fulfil the best practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment through improved integration.
5.2Interdepartmental protocols for cross-referrals at national and local levels and within organisations- To be determined with relevant departments and agencies following finalisation of implementation plan in 5.1 and consultation process under MWP
6.1Raise awareness among employers of the benefits of employing (and retaining in employment), people with disabilities. Enlist their participation in actions to promote the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities in open labour market employment.- DSP Employer Engagement promotes workplace supports for people with disabilities on an ongoing basis.

- Employer Pack contains information on supports available to people with disabilities and employers.

- EmployAbility enables employers to support the progression and retention of people with disabilities and facilitates recruitment.
6.2Work with employers to develop more inclusive recruitment and workplace practices- The DEASP and the wider public employment service (including EmployAbility) is working on building effective relationships with employers to increase placement into employment of people from the live register and other priority cohorts, including people with disabilities and to increase the utilisation of the Department’s employment supports.
6.3Encourage employers to provide work experience for people with disabilities.- EmployAbility works with employers to support the progression and retention of people with disabilities and facilitates recruitment while facilitating innovative approaches to meet gaps in employment or progression opportunities.
6.4Disseminate information on the supports that are available to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities or to retain employees who acquire a disability, including the EmployAbility Service, workplace supports and the wage subsidy scheme.- DSP Employer Engagement promotes workplace supports for people with disabilities on an ongoing basis.

- Employer Pack contains information on supports available to people with disabilities and employers.
6.16Evaluate employer-related Disability Activation Projects, co-funded by the ESF. - Evaluation DACT Completed and published

Table 2: Update on CES actions allocated to DEASP along with other agencies

ActionAction detailsAgencies identifiedDEASP actions outline
1.2(a)Raise awareness and expectationsDES, Solas, HEA, ETB’s ,NDA, DEASP,

DOH,HSE, Libraries, Schools, NCGE, NCSE.
- Intreo Service Supports

- EmployAbility

- LES

- Ability Programme
1.5(a)Transition PlanningDES, Solas, ETB’s, NCSE, DSPSee update under Action 5.1
1.8(a)Further Education and Training SectorSolas, DES, DEASPSee update under Action 5.1
1.8(c)Solas to link their action plan with Intreo Activation ProcessSolas, DEASPSee update under Action 5.1
1.8(d)Memorandum of Understanding between Solas and DSP to include targets and outcomes for people with disabilitiesSolas ,DEASP,DESSee update under Action 5.1
1.9(b)Joined up working for effective pathway (Transitions)DES, Teachers, DEASP,HSESee update under Action 5.1
4.1Promote Strategies for intervention in the early stages of absence from work due to acquired disability. These strategies will be based on evidence from the relevant DACT project. They will include people with mental health difficultiesHST and DEASPSee update under Action 4.2 (a)
4.2

(a)
Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties Promote and support the role of work in the Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties. Use the Individual Placement Support Model as part of rehabilitation process that includes co-ordinated support for employers and employees at local level by job coaches and community health teams.HSE and DEASP- IEMHS (IPS) Project Complete. DEASP worked with the HSE, Genio and Mental Health Reform in the Integrating Employment and Mental Health Support (IEMHS) project.

- The project demonstrated how existing mental health and supported employment (EmployAbility) services can fulfil the best practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment through improved integration.

- Report published Q1-2018 (“Steps into Work”)

- DEASP working with HSE and EmployAbility to implement placement of model on a nationwide basis as a joint exercise between HSE and EmployAbility service
(b)Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties Pilot model.HSE and DEASPSee above
(c)Recovery Model of rehabilitation for

those with mental health difficulties

To consider outcome of pilot.
HSE and DEASPSee above
5.1To work together to develop an effective co-ordinated policy approach (and draw up an implementation plan based on that approach), to assist individuals with disabilities, including those who require a high level of support, to obtain and retain employment having due regard to the implementation of New Directions.Health, Education and DEASP- Approach Agreed through NDA sub-group.

- Report and Implementation Plan completed.

- Awaiting publication.
5.2Interdepartmental protocols for cross referrals at national and local level and within organisationsDEASP, DES, Solas, NDA, HSESee update under Action 5.1
6.5Subject to Provisions of appropriate links by relevant Departments and Agencies DJEI will, through its website, highlight the supports that are available to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market, or to retain in the workforce people who require a disability.

This will operate through appropriate links made available by the relevant Departments and agencies to the DJEI’s website
DJEI, DOH,DEASP- Completed. Details are at

6.6Work Placements

Explore the idea of expanding internships as a recruitment route for both public and private sectors, in discussion with a range of stakeholders. The roles of the Public Appointment Service, Pobal, Local Appointment Service and job facilitators need to be discussed in this context.

NDA will discuss further with the relevant Departments and Agencies
NDA ,DEASP, other relevant Departments and Agencies- Ongoing discussions linked to implementation of 5.1
6.14Investigate the establishment of an employer helplineNDA, DJE,DEASP- Helpline established

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