David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is very interesting and we are learning more and more. I was a guidance counsellor in another life a long time ago. I know the value of career guidance counsellors in our school and how they can work. There is much work to be done with career guidance counsellors in this transition. The point about special schools is well made. I am aware they are designated as primary schools and it is a very important point.

There are many ways in which people are disabled. Has any research been carried out on the level of employment or unemployment pertaining to the various categories of disability? Are people who are disabled in certain ways more disadvantaged than others with regard to employment? Are there areas we should focus on more? Are there some areas that are doing very well? We hear that 12.5% of the public bodies did not reach the minimum target and the level of employment of disabled people in the public sector is 3.6%. Is there further breakdown of this with regard to the challenges and disabilities that people experience? Mention was made of an employer helpline. Is it up and running? What is it? Where is it? Does it work?