Vol. 506 No. 5
44 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the pilot project involving the IDA and ten multinational companies that will provide jobs for disabled people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14926/99]
Last year I asked IDA Ireland to produce proposals to encourage foreign companies located in Ireland to employ people with disabilities. As a result of the IDA's consultations with a number of its client compan ies, 11 multinationals agreed to participate in a pilot programme. The programme will consider strategies which can be put in place to encourage the employment of disabled people. The programme began in July 1998 and will be completed in December 1999.
As a result of the experiences which will be gained during the lifetime of the IDA pilot project, I hope the programme can be substantially opened up to a much wider group of companies throughout the country and to a greater number of disabled people. My Department's other agencies, such as Enterprise Ireland and the county enterprise boards, will have a role to play in widening the programme.
