Ms Jeanne McDonagh:

We will not ask the Deputy to be a mentor in that case. Many people want to know more about the working life. They do not have inbuilt networks or access to certain professions. For the political system, for example, it would be helpful to have a range of mentors who could work with people, introduce them and explain how the system works as otherwise, the political system is just seen as an absolute no-go area. In the wider sense of Government, if PAS offered more part-time and flexible roles then it would make work a lot more accessible and allow people with disabilities to enter and work within the Civil Service while, very importantly, keeping their benefits that they still need. I mean people do not end their disability by entering the world of work. They still need supports like travel and medical, which is important.

We must remove the threshold of 21 hours per week to access the subsidy scheme. Some people can only work five or 15 hours so why not make work more flexible. I think that "flexible" is the word. The whole system must bend a little to allow people access and the once size does not fit all. Everyone has different needs and accommodations, which should travel with people so they can stand there, walk there or use whatever means of transport that will get them to their workplace on their first day but fully ready to go and fully equipped yet without any barriers facing them. I think that is really important.