Disability Matters Committee to discuss access to work for persons with disabilities with Disabled Women Ireland and EmployAbility

The following representatives are due to appear:

Dr. Amy Hassett, Co-director - Disabled Women Ireland        

Ms. Gillian Kearns, Treasurer - Disabled Women Ireland          

Ms. Marie Killeen - Service Manager - EmployAbility Clare       

Ms. Avril Greham

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Maurice Quinlivan said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss the gendered barriers that disabled women face in accessing and sustaining employment.

Ireland has the lowest employment rate for disabled people in the European Union, at just 32 per cent while the labour rate for disabled women is only 26 per cent.

The barriers faced by disabled women and minority genders are more pronounced where they are part of multiple marginalised groups, for example Traveller and Roma communities, those experiencing homelessness, single parents, those in Direct Provision and LGBTQIA+ people.

We look forward to discussing how to address and overcome these barriers with representatives.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.