Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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126. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will provide an update on a reformed scheme to give effect to all nine recommendations outlined in the review of the reasonable accommodation fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme in August 2023. This report gave nine recommendations to merge the two schemes into a single, flexible scheme and to expand and improve the supports offered under the new scheme.

In July 2024,the new Work and Access scheme was launched. Work and Access offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for people with a disability. The supports include funding for a workplace needs assessment, work coaches, personal readers, assistive equipment and communication supports. Funding is also available to employers for workplace adaptations and disability equality and inclusion training.

Work and Access is open to all non-public sector employers, including the self-employed and people working in the community and voluntary sector. Supports are available for both business premises and remote workplaces. My Department has allocated an additional €1 million a year to this scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.