Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The minimum statutory employment target is set at 3%, as the Minister of State said, with a view to doubling that to 6% in 2025. That was enacted recently as part of the assisted decision making Act. As the Minister of State outlined, the NDA has a role in reporting and monitoring. She referred to its most recent report from 2021 showing the percentage at 3.6% across all sectors.

Unfortunately, 27 of the 213 public bodies did not make that target. All of the organisations must comply by 2025. Will the Minister of State outline what steps will be taken to progress that so that all of the organisations will meet the targets? She is looking at a target of 4% for next year and already a number of organisations have been falling behind on what is needed. We must remember that it is not about targets, it is about giving opportunity, dignity and employment to people, and that must be front and centre all the time.

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