Two schemes focus on working ability

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Mary Harney, has launched two important new schemes to encourage and facilitate the employment of people with disabilities.

Speaking at the launch of the "Employee Retention Grant Scheme and the Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme", the Tánaiste said: "Both of these schemes arise from commitments given by this Government in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. Together the schemes represent an innovative initiative to address the difficulties which people with disabilities experience in accessing employment."

Over 10% of the population aged 15-64 – representing around 271,000 people of working age - have a long-term health problem or disability, and 85% of these have acquired a disability, or longstanding health problem, over the course of their lives. However, only 40% of those with a long-term health problem or disability are in employment, in comparison with 65% of the total population in the same age category.

The Tánaiste continued: "These two schemes will benefit people with disabilities in different ways. The Employee Retention Grant Scheme aims to maintain people in employment if they acquire an illness, condition or impairment that puts their continued employment at risk. The Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme provides funding towards the cost of delivering in-company training to educate and inform staff about people with disability and disability in general. The aim is to move the focus from disability to ability.

"Both the Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme and the Employee Retention Grant Scheme benefit employees by providing opportunities to develop a greater appreciation of the value of people with disabilities as capable and productive co-workers."

(CL)