Disability Support Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2004

Wednesday, 5 May 2004

Questions (66)

Jack Wall

Question:

61 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the findings of the recent report, Disability and Labour Market Participation, which found that Irish people with disabilities or chronic illnesses have one of the poorest educational records and are more likely to be unemployed than their disabled European counterparts; the steps being taken to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12693/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

My Department provides a focal point for disability equality policy and legislative development generally. It does not have main responsibility for sectoral policies. Since the introduction of the policy of mainstreaming in June 2000, responsibility for sectoral policies as they relate to people with disabilities rests with the Department or agency with responsibility for the development and delivery of the policy concerned. As such, the Deputy is advised to address questions which he may have in relation to employment policy for people with disabilities to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Similarly, the Deputy is advised to direct questions relating to education policy to the Minister for Education and Science.