Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps that could be taken to increase the uptake of disability, equality and inclusion awareness training to help make the transition to employment for a person with a disability easier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21382/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand and build on successful programmes like WorkAbility, Employability and the new Work and Access programme to support people with disabilities into employment.

In July 2024,the new Work and Access scheme was launched, replacing the former Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the Disability Awareness Support Scheme. 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. My Department has allocated an additional €1 million a year to this scheme.

Disability Equality and Inclusion Training is a key support under the new scheme. It offers funding to an employer of up to 90% of the cost of providing training. Funding is available for up to €20,000 in a 12-month period. Training can be provided on the following topics:

1.General Disability Equality and Inclusion Training

2.Disability-specific training

3.Inclusive recruitment and management training for managers

My Department ran a publicity campaign on Work and Access following the launch of the scheme. It also contacted hundreds of disability organisations with a range of materials and requested that they publicise the scheme. Employer Engagement teams in Intreo centres nationwide promote the scheme to employers. Officials have presented on the scheme to both employer representative organisations and disability organisations. My Department will continue to actively promote this scheme and the supports available for disability, equality and inclusion training.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.