Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Employment Strategy and Impact on Disabled Persons in the Workplace: Discussion

Ms Anne Marie McDonnell:

On the 6% employment target, we would always say to be ambitious, but sometimes when you see a big stretch, it is difficult to reach that so we are also looking at incremental improvements. We have seen students in the National Learning Network avail of, particularly, the clerical officer route. It gives great progression opportunities. As with the private sector, much change comes from changing culture. As Dr. Hartney said, it is about inclusive recruitment and retention practices. That benefits public and private sector because it it is about increasing our disability confidence at all levels. That will make a culture of inclusion and belonging if we are all more confident in our decisions in recruitment and retention.