Written answers
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Employment Support Services
John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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87. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people who have availed of the Work Placement Experience Programme for the years 2020-2025; the benefits that are offered as part of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50657/25]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) commenced in 2021. The key objectives of the programme are to:
- keep jobseekers close to the labour market.
- provide jobseekers who have never had a job with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and training to assist them to gain employment.
- provide jobseekers who wish to change careers with the opportunity to gain quality work experience and training in a new employment role.
| Year | Number of WPEP Participants |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 183 |
| 2022 | 323 |
| 2023 | 408 |
| 2024 | 387 |
| 2025* | 463 |
| Total | 1764 |
Participants complete at least 60 hours of training while on the work placement, of which a minimum of 20 hours should be accredited or sector recognised training.
Participants receive a minimum weekly payment of €359. Any increases due for a Qualified Adult or a Qualified Child are paid in addition to the minimum payment rate. Participants who are entitled to additional benefits such as Fuel Allowance, Living Alone Increase or Telephone Support Allowance, will receive these in addition to the main WPEP payment. Participants retain their medical card during WPEP and their rent payment to their local authority will not increase. WPEP is not subject to means assessment.
While on a placement, Participants can commence part-time employment / self-employment without affecting their entitlements provided that it does not interfere with the required hours of the WPEP placement. Part-time employment with the WPEP Host is not permitted.
I trust this clarifies matter for the Deputy
John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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88. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number who have accessed the work and access scheme for 2024 and 2025; the amount allocated as part of this scheme; if plans are in place to expand the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50660/25]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In July 2024, my Department launched a new scheme called Work and Access. The scheme offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for disabled people.
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 allocated an additional €1 million a year to this scheme.
A media campaign ran last year to raise awareness surrounding the new scheme and my officials have been promoting the scheme around the country.
In 2024, my Department made 24 individual payments amounting to approximately €16,154 under the new scheme. As of August 2025, 132 individual payments have been made totaling €227,848 for the year to date.
Both the Programme for Government and the recently launched National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled people 2025-2030 include commitments to expanding and building on successful programmes like the Work and Access scheme to support disabled people into employment.
These commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the government in light of the wider policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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89. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people who have accessed the WorkAbility programme since it was established in December 2023; the benefits of the programme; if the programme is on target to support over 13,000 disabled people progress their training and employment ambitions over its lifetime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50661/25]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In December 2023, my Department established the WorkAbility programme. It is co-financed with the EU Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme. It is a five-year programme running from 2024 until 2028.
The aim of the WorkAbility programme is to bring people with disabilities who are not work-ready closer to the labour market through 57 local, regional and national projects. It supports projects that provide progressive pathways into education, training, employment and work experience for participants based on their needs, their abilities and their potential.
Benefits for programme participants include increased employment opportunities, career progression, enhanced job readiness skills such as CV writing, job searching and interview skills. They also benefit from training opportunities and soft skills development.
Benefits for employers and stakeholders include opportunities to support and employ people with disabilities, support in best practice and creating inclusive work environments for people with disabilities. They also receive advice and information on accessing available supports, networking and collaboration opportunities.
As of the 1st September 2025, 4,005 people have engaged with the programme. Over 13,000 people with a disability are expected to benefit from the programme over its lifetime.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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