Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Donal Carey

Question:

73 Mr. D. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of measures her Department has enacted referring to people with disabilities; the date of their passing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12753/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

My Department is represented on the establishment group for the new National Disability Authority, set up by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in November 1997. This group is considering, among other issues, the transfer of responsibility for appropriate training and employment services for disabled people from the Department of Health and Children to my Department. The establishment group is expected to report to the Government during the summer, following which I anticipate that appropriate functions will transfer to my Department and to FÁS early in 1999.

Later this year, FÁS will develop and implement an action programme for people with disabilities. Targets will be set up and the implementation of the programme will be monitored. The programme will be supported by a pilot project — action for disability. The aim of the project is to test and develop mechanisms to ensure greater numbers of people with disabilities enter FÁS programmes.

Earlier this year I requested IDA Ireland to submit proposals to me for encouraging the employment of greater numbers of disabled people in companies locating in this country. I understand that the IDA already operates a voluntary code among its overseas sponsored companies by the inclusion of an exhortatory clause in a formal letter which accompanies letter of grant offers to companies. This clause requests companies to give consideration where possible and appropriate, to the employment of people with disabilities.

In addition, IDA Ireland is currently having in-depth discussions with a small number of overseas clients companies with a view to introducing a pilot programme to bring people with disabilities into the workplace.

Arrangements are being made to have the buildings of the Department accessible to people with disabilities. In this regard, planning permission has been obtained and exploratory work has been carried out on the Kildare Street building, to make it accessible. The actual construction work will commence without undue delay.