Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sure all my questions have been answered. They have all been taken; it is no problem. I welcome everyone here today, in particular the representatives from the WRC. I know there is a Carlow branch. I wish Ms Cahill well in her new role, which is very good and important.

I apologise if these questions have been asked already. I ask the Public Appointments Service representatives to discuss their organisation's progress against public sector employment targets. Will they discuss the barriers, including eligibility criteria for recruitment campaigns with people with disabilities accessing public sector employment? Can they discuss what is happening with locations, interviews and things like that? I do not know if they can do so. I will give an example. A young chap came to me last year who wanted a work placement in Carlow Garda station. We have an excellent Garda station, by the way. I want to compliment Carlow Garda station on its new vulnerable citizens office for Carlow County Council. It is also very much wheelchair-friendly and has a new bay for less-abled designated parking spaces. However, it does not have a lift, wheelchair-accessible front doors with electric entry buttons, a lowering public counter to support access for those in wheelchairs, or a glass case unit for anyone who might have vision issues. None of those facilities are there. That person came to me as he wanted to do a work placement there, but the building just was not suitable.

I refer to public sector equality and human rights. The public service organisations have a statutory obligation to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of staff and those to whom they provide service. What equality and human rights issues has PAS addressed in terms of people with disabilities and equal access to the employment market? Can the representatives discuss the process for when an individual with a disability applies to PAS through a competition, say, or for some kind of accommodation? Does the individual have to submit a certificate from his or her GP certifying his or her disability and what supports he or she needs? What happens with this information? At what point do the prospective employers receive the information? Can we improve this process so people with disabilities do not have to pay? What funding do they need? How much does it cost them?

If a person with a disability is employed in a job that requires a uniform, such as special footwear, is there any funding to help them? As we know, people on disability allowance are on very low money. If people have to go into a job where they will need a uniform and special equipment, such as boots and things, is there any funding? Can they go for funding for that?

I will turn to SOLAS. It was great when Ms Doherty spoke about how SOLAS and Down Syndrome Ireland collaborated on producing a short video on the many options FET provides for adults with Down's syndrome. She spoke about courses that SOLAS has developed in counties Dublin and Kerry. I want to know whether anything is in line for Carlow. It is really important. I welcome that SOLAS is working with Down Syndrome Ireland. That is really positive.

I will address my last question to SOLAS. Apprenticeships are really important. Ms Doherty gave the figures in that regard.

What are the challenges that the Government can help SOLAS with? Is more funding needed? Do we need to look at more courses? What is the role of apprenticeships for people who have a disability? I hope these questions have not been asked. I again thank the witnesses for being here today.