Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
115. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the interdepartmental group to support the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities was convened; the number of times it has met; the progress and outcomes achieved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37360/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities was launched in October 2015. It 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. It 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. Implementation of the Strategy will be subject to regular monitoring, and there will be a review and renewal every three years. The Strategy's six strategic priorities are to:
- 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; and
- Engage employers.
The Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group convened for the first time in October 2015, and has met on seven occasions to date. I understand that the Group's first Annual Report, detailing progress made to date, will be presented to me shortly, and I will arrange to have it published as soon as possible thereafter.
