I am pleased to raise this matter on the Adjournment. The Department of Equality and Law Reform was created to ensure gender equity, equity for those with disabilities and equity for travellers. I am aware that the Programme for Government refers specifically to the need for the Government to give a lead by ensuring that the 3 per cent quota for employing people with disabilities is reached in the public service. I understand the current public sector average for employing people with disabilities is 1.9 per cent, an improvement on the 1.28 per cent which obtained until recently. The 3 per cent quota principle for the disabled was introduced in 1977, yet by 1993 we have not reached the 2 per cent level. Very grave difficulties face disabled people who are genuinely trying to obtain employment. It is the Government's responsibility to break down prejudice by ensuring a change in attitude and enforcing the 3 per cent quota rule. Not only should this be done in the public sector but I would urge the Government to consider how this principle might be operated in the private sector also, perhaps through tax incentives to employers or some such method. In an ideal society such carrots should not have to be used but, sadly, time has proved that the employment opportunities for the disabled have not arisen spontaneously.
The Clare branch of Cerebal Palsy Ireland recently published its paper and findings on employment opportunities in the public service in County Clare for people with disabilities. I understand the Minister has received a copy of its report. The results of its survey are, to say the least, depressing. The Minister will note from this report that 21 organisations were contacted. Out of the 13 organisations which furnished the requested information, the research identified only eight people with disabilities working in those organisations. According to this survey, the average of those with disabilities working in the public service in County Clare is 20 times less than the present national average. This, I submit, is a matter which must be considered also in the context of the overall regional policy for the country, as there are great regional disparities regarding the implementation of the 3 per cent quota.
At present there would seem to be confusion in the quota system arising from the lack of clear criteria for qualification as a person with a disability. This matter needs to be addressed and clarified without further delay.
The Clare branch of the CPI, supported by its national organisation, wish to see action taken by this Government on its report to enable those with disabilities to obtain productive employment and ensure their full rights as citizens. I now ask the Minister to meet a deputation from the Clare branch of the CPI at the earliest possible date so that their suggestions can be adopted to provide immediate practical and financial benefit for the disabled.