Dr. Helen Johnston:

One pertains to the disability issue. My understanding is that it is medically defined so that people are unable to work because they are in receipt of a disability payment. While this is not to say they cannot work without supports, obviously one then needs employers who are willing to take on people with disabilities, to provide adequate supports and so on. This is an ongoing challenge, particularly at present, in a time of high unemployment, where more people are available to work than there are jobs available. This challenge must be addressed. Moreover, one can look at other countries in which those supports are in place and where people with disabilities are well able to work. However, that has not happened to the same extent here.

In respect of a mismatch of skills and who was responsible, clearly Senator Craughwell answered the question himself in that both are responsible. The education and training boards, SOLAS and education and skills providers must consider the jobs that will be available in a particular area and should ensure there is training and education available to take up those jobs. On the other side however, there also is an onus on employers where they are being located as to what kind of jobs are being provided and where there must be linkages between them, which has not always been the case to the extent one might wish. I believe I have probably answered most of the questions.