Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015
147. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the key measures under the new comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35284/15]
View answerThe Strategy, which was launched on Friday 2 October, sets out a ten-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities who are able to, and want to, work are supported and enabled to do so. People with disabilities are only half as likely to be in employment as others of working age. The reasons for this are complex, and include level of education and skills, fears around loss of benefits, employer know-how, low expectations, and limited re-entry to work following onset of a disability, as well as a higher incidence of ill-health.
The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities is a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and State agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment of people with disabilities. In tandem with that, it seeks to ensure there will be joined-up services and supports at local level to support individuals on their journey into and in employment.
The Strategy's six strategic priorities are:
- Build skills, capacity and independence
- Provide bridges and supports into work
- Make work pay
- Promote job retention and re-entry to work
- Provide coordinated and seamless support
- Engage employers
Implementing the Strategy will require continuing interdepartmental cooperation and a joined-up approach to supports and services for jobseekers and workers with disabilities. The implementation of the Strategy will be subject to regular monitoring, and there will be a review and renewal every three years.
