Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The programme for Government states, "We will also facilitate people with disabilities in achieving a greater level of participation in employment, training and education." Many would say the opposite has occurred. Despite the fact the workforce participation is significantly lower for individuals with a disability and those with a disability are more likely to be at risk of poverty, can the Minister substantiate that statement by virtue of her 18 months in office? I would ask the Minister to provide, if not now then in the coming days, evidence-based information to prove that in the past 18 months she lived up to the commitment in the programme for Government to facilitate a greater level of participation in employment, training and education for those with a disability. The evidence coming into my constituency from representations that I receive is to the contrary and I would like the Minister to put the matter right.

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