Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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295. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department is currently carrying out a review of the work and access scheme; and if he is aware of a number of issues which have been flagged with regard to this scheme (details supplied). [49379/25]

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 set out 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 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.

Funding for a range of assistive work equipment and assistive technology has been awarded under the scheme. The details provided by the Deputy refer to smart phones and smart watches. General devices such as these do not fall under the "assistive equipment/technology” component of the scheme but would rather be considered as “workplace devices”. Where assistive programs or applications are required for these devices, this software is assistive technology and can be covered under the Work and Access scheme along with any training required for the use of the software. This is similar to the position regarding other schemes in other Government Departments.

The Work and Access scheme was introduced just over a year ago and it I have asked my officials to keep it under review to ensure that it is accessible, supports more employers to hire and retain people with disabilities, and aligns with the National Human Rights Strategy for disabled people 2025-2030.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.