Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Employment Equality.

Liam Aylward

Question:

110 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of persons involved in the supported employment programme, sponsored by FÁS and NDP, whose aims are to facilitate and increase the level of participation of people with disabilities into the open labour market where many companies utilise the flexibility clause in their agreement with the representing union and thereby preclude them from offering employment to people with special or diverse needs; if she plans to rectify this clause to allow greater participation in the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17948/01]

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

I am not aware of specific incidences of companies utilising the clause referred to by the Deputy to deny an offer of employment to people with disabilities. The Employment Equality Act prohibits discrimination in employment on a range of grounds, including disability. Where evidence of such potential discrimination exists, it would be appropriate to bring it to the attention of the Director of Equality Investigations who is charged with investigating breaches of the legislation.