Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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67. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to the fact that funding for the pilot phase of the employer disability information service is due to end on 31 December 2018; his plans to extend funding for this service beyond 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41587/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for Persons with Disabilities is a ten year strategy to improve employment opportunities and work participation levels for persons with disabilities. Included in the Strategy's six key priorities is a commitment to engaging employers to support the achievement of this goal.

Following the publication of the Strategy in 2015, responsibility for implementing "Strategic Priority 6 - Engage Employers" was assigned to the National Disability Authority (NDA). The NDA developed a three year pilot project which included the following actions:

- Develop a national employer peer support network

- Produce new guidance for employers

- Investigate establishment of an employer helpline.

The Employer Disability Information Service is the mechanism that the NDA established to deliver these actions.

The service comprises:

- A helpline aimed at providing advice and information to employers on employment of people with disabilities;

- A central web-based information resource incorporating guidance and an FAQ section, which is kept up to date

- Using the mainstream channels of the participating organisations to disseminate information on the service and on matters relating to employment of people with disabilities

- Development of networks and fora for employers to share experiences and good practice

The service is managed by a consortium of employer organisations i.e. Chambers Ireland, IBEC and ISME.

The pilot phase of the project is currently in its final year, and a review of the EDI Service is currently underway.

As the Deputy will appreciate, pending the outcome of this review it is not yet possible to indicate the precise plans for the operation of EDI beyond 2018. It is expected that a decision in respect of this will be made in due course.