Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
88. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for 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]
View answerIn 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.
