Social Welfare Schemes

Thursday, 30 April 2026

Questions (39, 46)

Sean Fleming

Question:

39. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he plans to make any changes to the work and access scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31084/26]

View answer

46. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people currently supported under the work and access programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 46 together.

My Department published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme in August 2023. Arising from this, the two schemes were merged to form Work and Access: a single, flexible scheme, which expanded and improved the in-work supports available.

Work and Access offers seven supports to help reduce or remove barriers in the workplace for disabled people. The supports include funding for a workplace needs assessment, workplace adaptations and communication/ Irish Sign Language support.

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.

Since its launch in 2024, 388 customers and employers have applied for 668 supports. Some 130 grants have been paid out this year so far.

My Department has been reviewing the scheme guidelines and I am pleased that revised operational guidelines and application forms have been published this week. The guidelines have been shortened and we hope that applicants will find them easier to navigate and understand.

The application procedure for Communication Support/Irish Sign Language interpreting has been simplified following input from a Deaf Disabled Persons Organisation. Eligibility for 90% funding for Disability Equality and Inclusion Training has been extended. Applications for Workplace Needs Assessments and In-Work Support will be made by employers from now on to reduce the administrative burden on disabled customers and the process has been simplified.

The application forms have also been updated to simplify the process of applying for the scheme.

The changes have been made in response to feedback from employers and disabled people.

The updated web pages and operational guidelines can be viewed on Gov.ie.

I hope the revised guidelines and forms will increase the uptake of the scheme and that applicants will find the process more user friendly.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.