Two organisations in Kerry received over €300,000 last year through a programme that supports people with disabilities to enter the workforce.
The WorkAbility Programme is an EU-funded initiative that supports people with disabilities to access sustainable employment, training, and education.
Coordinated by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Social Protection, the WorkAbility Programme is a five-year initiative that aims to improve employment outcomes for individuals who face barriers to the labour market.
The programme provides job coaching, work experience placements, and opportunities for further education to help participants gain skills and confidence.
It also works with employers to increase their capacity to recruit, retain, and progress people with disabilities by promoting inclusive practices in the workplace.
The five-year initiative began in 2024 and will run until 2028.
Last year, over €317,000 (€317,860) was allocated to the WorkAbility Programme in Kerry, with a further €324,000 (€324,919) allocated for 2025.
Of this, almost €150,000 (€147,213) has been allocated as of June 2025.
Nationwide, 57 organisations are participating in the WorkAbility Programme, with two catering for people with intellectual disabilities in Kerry.
These are South Kerry Development Partnership CLG and IRD Duhallow, a Cork organisation that also caters for South-East Kerry.
The figures were provided by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, following a query by Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness.
