Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I regret that Deputy Connolly finds the answer disrespectful. I could have given more information but I wished to leave time to respond to further questions. The Deputy refuses to acknowledge a number of facts, such as the voluntary nature of our tradition and the appropriate provision of incentives to encourage employers to hire people with disabilities.

I had the honour of speaking at a conference in the National College of Ireland run by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability, AHEAD, for students in, or graduates of, third level colleges. Considerable progress was acknowledged, particularly in the public sector. They believe the challenge is to inform employers of the incentives available. There is a substantial supported employment programme, endorsed by IBEC and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. It was difficult to spread the programme to the regions. The wage subsidy scheme introduced by FÁS would have had a greater impact but it was difficult to disseminate information to the employers, particularly additional information addressing employers' concerns. If Deputy Connolly is serious and not just scoring points, he could assist in disseminating information to employers.

I wish to declare a personal interest. I have a family member who suffered a brain injury and might benefit from some of the programmes set up by the Department.

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