Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The representation to which the Deputy refers concerns funding provided to an organisation under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2021, Measure to Support the Employment of People with Disabilities. A total of 45 projects, including the one referred to in the representation, were awarded up to €7.6 million in funding. The programme started on 1 September 2021 and was due to conclude at the end of December this year. 

I was very keen to avoid a gap in funding between the current Dormant Accounts Fund employment support measure for people with disabilities and an anticipated new programme under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021-2027. It is anticipated that this new disability programme will be open by way of a competitive process in 2023 to applications from organisations across the country.

In this regard, I can confirm that I have extended funding to the organisations up until the end of 2023 and made provision for same under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2023.  

Pobal, who manage the current measure on behalf of my department, have been in direct contact with all the projects concerned – including the organisation which is the subject of the Deputy’s representation - with further details.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.