Disability Matters Committee to discuss employment and the UNCPRD with SOLAS, Independent Living Movement Ireland and the National Learning Network

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House between 9:45-12:30.

The following representatives are due to appear.

•             SOLAS: Alan McGrath, Executive Director for Delivery and Roisin Doherty, Director of Learner Support

•             National Disability Authority: Dr Aideen Hartney, Director and Marion Wilkinson, Senior Policy Advisor on Employment Matters

•             Independent Living Movement Ireland: Patrick Flanagan, Create Employment Co-Ordinator

•             National Learning Network (Bantry): Pat Murphy, Manager, Claire Cronin, Employer Based Training Co-Ordinator and Alan Porter

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “Last week the Committee heard from representatives from the CRC and Social Farming Ireland – two organisations who help people with disabilities find access to employment.”

“The UNCRPD plays a strong role in ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to employment and their rights are upheld. Data from the CSO shows that just over a third (36%) of people with a disability aged between 20-60 are in employment compared to 73% of the non-disabled population.”

“It is clear than many people with disabilities would like to be in education or training if conditions were suitable.”

“We look forward to hearing from representatives from Solas, the NDA, Independent Living Movement Ireland and the National Learning Network about education and training programmes for people with disabilities, how they align with the UNCRPD and how to increase participation in such schemes.”

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