Ms Caroline Kennedy:

I wish to address a couple of the questions Deputy O'Dea put to us. There was no definite outcome from the recent meeting with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Deputy also asked about employment and training and the percentage difference. I can only speak from the perspective of Limerick, but there has been a difference. Last year's figures suggest we are looking at a 25% transition into employment. There are still 10% to 15% who are engaged in activation and training programmes. The percentage has not changed in recent years. We still have approximately 10% to 15% engaging at that level and it is not recognised in the work we do.

I will address the comment made by Deputy Smith on people with disabilities. We work with people who are referred to us and on the live register. Generally, people in receipt of a disability payment do not fall into that category. Often people who present to us have a hidden disability. We engage with and support them as best we can. We often refer to the EmployAbility service which is a specialised service for people with disabilities. I hope that answers the Deputy's question.