Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
444. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to tackle the insurance issues that have arisen within the EmployAbility programme that are hindering people with disabilities from gaining employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31149/23]
View answerThe EmployAbility Service provides support to people with disabilities to secure and maintain paid employment in the open labour market.
Contracts for EmployAbility service providers are agreed on an annual basis to ensure that adequate funding is available for the level of service required by the Department. Any approved expenditure incurred by the service provider, including eligible insurance costs, is then claimed from the Department on a monthly basis.
When a participant is placed with an employer, any insurance costs are then the responsibility of that employer. My Department is not aware of any insurance issue that would hinder a participant on the EmployAbility program from gaining employment.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
