Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

The answer is very scant. To state that no legislation is intended is most disappointing and to state that legislation would be counter productive is a cop-out. Strategies have been referred to by the health boards but those that are not enforceable are not worth speaking about. Is employment not a major issue for people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities? Does the Minister of State agree that unemployment levels of people with disabilities are disproportionately high? They are far more likely to be out of work as opposed to able-bodied people, for whom there is full employment. There is something very wrong in this regard.

I am aware that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is not responsible for the public service, which is paying lip service to the 3% quota, sometimes abusing or ignoring it. This is bitterly disappointing. There is some dignity attached to people being employed, particularly those with disabilities. They could have a sense of pride, feel part of society and lead a more fulfilling life. We do not intend fixing this problem. It is already broken. There is no point in these quotas if they are not legally enforceable, with a binding obligation on employers.

Private companies in Europe with more than 50 employees must employ a certain quota of disabled people. In France, it is 6%, in Germany, 6%, and in Italy, 15%. Our European colleagues view this differently. In European countries where there are such quotas, the government imposes a levy if the employers do not meet the quota. This provides an extra incentive. We cannot let the situation in Ireland continue.

Some public service companies get around the quota by reclassifying people. If a grant is available, one or two people can be reclassified to avail of it. Some positive grants and incentives are available to the private sector but there is no obligation on private sector employers to employ a certain percentage of disabled people.

I have met parents of those with intellectual disabilities who are tearing their hair out. They feel their children have an ability that is not used in the proper sense because they are being offered meaningless work. These people wish to work in mainstream employment. I am disappointed by the Minister of State's short, disrespectful response.

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