Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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46. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that Action 2.10 of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities is being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53853/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Action point 2.10 was included in the Action Plan for 2015 to 2018 as part of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy and was intended to support and promote self-employment as a viable option for people with disabilities, including equal access to mainstream supports and schemes.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports for anyone, including people with disabilities, intending to start or grow a business. In that regard, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as the Department of Social Protection, Revenue, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.

The LEO direct financial grants are available to all entrepreneurs provided their business meets the general eligibility criteria, such as operating in manufacturing or internationally traded services. In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of LEO training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, LEOs can provide additional support to entrepreneurs with disabilities such as one to one mentoring or accommodations to assist with the completion of grant application forms or to complete training courses such as Start Your Own Business.

The Local Enterprise Office promotes self-employment as a viable option for people with disabilities. Through the provision of mentors, the LEOs are partners in the delivery of the TU Dublin Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities Programme. Further information is available www.tudublin.ie/explore/news/aib-and-tu-dublin-entrepreneurship-for-people-with-disabilities-programme---new-12-week-course-commencing-on-september-21st.html

Enterprise Ireland is focused on ensuring that supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. Enterprise Ireland continues to invest in additional content, available on eiLearn (eilearn.ie/) and are working in conjunction with stakeholders in the LEOs and third level colleges to develop new programmes and initiatives.