Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment. His personal commitment is clear and exceptional in terms of his membership of the Oireachtas. He has continuously articulated the needs of people with disabilities and I hope that he will give a positive response to this important programme, which works effectively and efficiently in County Louth.

People with disabilities generally have lower skill and qualification levels than the population at large. Any programme, facility or involvement is important and positive in terms of the outcomes for those involved. One such initiative is the Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability providing equal employment routes, WALK PEER, programme. It will continue operating in County Louth until July. More than 119 people covering many types of disability and a broad spectrum of diagnoses were involved, including a number with dual or multiple diagnoses. Some 49% of its participants had an intellectual disability and almost one fifth had a learning disability, for example, struggling with basic literary skills as a result of dyspraxia. Other conditions, including autism, physical or sensory disabilities, accounted for 11%, mental health problems accounted for 6% and 3% of participants had an acquired brain injury.

This programme achieved great success for those with disabilities and enriched the participants greatly. It involved their families, who strongly supported it, employers, the community and schools. The schools that were involved over a two-year period included the Drogheda Institute of Further Education, DIFE, the Dundalk Institute of Technology, the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education, St. Mary's College, St. Vincent's secondary school and the volunteer centre in County Louth. No programme is perfect but this one was independently assessed. Its participants, their families, schools and employers were communicated with and gave very positive responses.

The WALK PEER initiative's funding stopped in 2015 but the programme continued because of the support of private donors. By any benchmark, it is successful and is what the people what. The community is behind it but there is a problem in that bureaucracy is not continuing its funding. Initially, this was one of 14 programmes in the region. Last year, I attended meetings in Castlebellingham that were packed in support of it. We continue to receive representations from WALK PEER's participants, their families and everyone else.

Will the Minister of State meet the programme urgently? Those involved are deeply committed and are concerned about its future. There is an integrity in their approach and support. I will be happy to respond following the Minister of State's answer.

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