Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is sometimes a difference in the classification of disability across the EU but that does not take from the broader point the Deputy made about our participation rates of people with a disability in the workforce not being where they need to be. At a time of full employment, we need to address areas of underemployment where people with a disability would like to access the workforce. Employers need people in the workforce and the Deputy's suggestions are sensible.

I do think the approach we are taking, though, in the linkage between the educational opportunity and the employment opportunity is important. The career guidance strategy review that I published in my previous role with the Minister for Education, which talks about putting career guidance supports into special educational schools, has to be a priority and will be a personal priority of mine for the next budget.

In terms of education in general and some of the points the Deputy made about access to places, the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, intends to increase the number of special educational needs organisers, SENOs, the people organising services on the ground and organising education, from 73 to 120, which is a very important support for parents and teachers. We are happy to continue to constructively engage with any suggestions in this area.

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