Houses of the Oireachtas is the first Parliament to launch unique internship programme for people with intellectual disabilities

The Oireachtas Work and Learn (OWL) Programme will see 10 young people with intellectual disabilities placed across a variety of Houses of the Oireachtas Service offices, where they will gain valuable work experience.

The Houses of the Oireachtas is the first Parliament in the world to host an internship programme of this kind.

The Oireachtas Service has worked closely with KARE and WALK to develop this year-long internship programme for 10 young people with intellectual disabilities. The HSE have provided funding for two full time on site co-ordinators to support the interns in their roles and work towards QQI qualifications, while the Houses of the Oireachtas has provided a permanent training room for the interns. The goal of the programme is to achieve paid employment for the participants following the internship, based on the experience gained working in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Speaking at today’s launch in Leinster House, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, said, “I am delighted to welcome the ten interns to the Oireachtas and to wish them well as they embark on this new chapter in their professional development. The Houses of the Oireachtas is committed to inclusivity in its work practices and this internship is truly progressive in its focus on ability, not disability.”

Peter Furlong, Operations Manager with KARE added, “KARE was delighted to work together with the Houses of the Oireachtas and WALK to develop an intern traineeship based at the Houses of the Oireachtas. KARE believes that people with Intellectual Disabilities should be seen as equal and enjoy the same opportunities as everybody else in society. This programme will enable young people gain real transferable work skills in a diverse and dynamic work environment.”

Catherine Kelly Director of Services with WALK, said, “We were keen to be part of the OWL programme as it is offers people with intellectual disability the opportunity to begin on a career path where they will learn new skills, develop new relationships and have real work experiences in a parliamentary environment. An additional advantage of this programme is that it also promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This internship provides a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to access employment in the open labour market on their completion of the programme.”

Notes to editors:

1. For media enquiries and interview bids with the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, please contact: pressoffice@oireachtas.ie / 01 618 3437.
2. For further information on WALK, see: http://www.walk.ie
3. For media enquiries and interview bids for WALK, please contact Catherine Kelly, Director of Services: 087 902 9605 / catherine@walk.ie
4. For further information on KARE, see: http://www.kare.ie
5. For media enquiries and interview bids for KARE, please contact Peter Furlong, Operations Manager, Adult Supports: 086 828 0877 / peterf@kare.ie .
6. Photography will be provided by Maxwell Photography. Please contact Maxwell’s directly to obtain photographs: office@maxwellphotography.ie / 01 8308072.