Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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286. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration could be given to the introduction of a grant to aid disabled entrepreneurs in hiring appropriate assistance, in view of the challenges disabled entrepreneurs face managing the day-to-day aspects for running a business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42980/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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While the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is not responsible for direct support schemes for people with a disability, the Department 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 the eiLearn platform and is working in conjunction with stakeholders in the LEOs and third level colleges to develop new programmes and initiatives. One such initiative is a course delivered by TU Dublin in conjunction with LEO mentors. This course is open to people with disabilities and who have a business idea that they wish to pursue as a sustainable enterprise.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are committed to being open, inclusive, and supportive of all individuals intending to start or grow a business and are the first-stop-shop for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports. The Local Enterprise Office grant supports are available to all entrepreneurs equally, provided their business meets the eligibility criteria of the support they are applying for.

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, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Revenue Commissioners, Education and Training Boards, the Credit Review Office and Microfinance Ireland.

In addition, all entrepreneurs can avail of Local Enterprise Office training, mentoring and management development programmes. Furthermore, Local Enterprise Offices can provide additional support to entrepreneurs 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.

Work and Access is a set of supports put in place by the Department of Social Protection to help people with a disability get a job or stay in work. The supports aim to remove or reduce barriers in the workplace for people with a disability, including self-employed people and encompass a range of assistance such as a workplace needs assessment, communication support and workplace adaptation support.