Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I concur with the other speakers and I commend Senator Quinn on putting words into action in his business. Other employers are doing the same and it makes a difference. It makes a difference because the Senator's customers will have the experience of meeting somebody with a disability in an environment where they might not otherwise have met them. It creates an air of normality which is important. This is particularly so in light of the ESRI report this week which shows that people with disabilities are twice as likely to be living in poverty than the rest of the population. Clearly, that is related to employment and access to employment.

We must push the boat out on this issue. Senator Leyden said what I wished to say. The figure of 3% is extremely low. It can also create the effect of a lid. If the 3% is reached, people can say they have done their bit and do not need to do more. How does one create a sense of going beyond that? One can make the figure 5% but that puts the lid at 5%. I do not know the answer to that question but the issue must be examined. Actions speak louder than words and implementation is everything.

Senator Terry's amendment is good and I agree with it. However, it is probably quite mild. She is being nice to the Government by asking the Minister to prepare a report on the possibility of increasing the public service employment quota. What about a report on how it is to be done? The report should be on the actions that must be taken to have the quota fulfilled or even extended. It is a useful but mild amendment. I cannot see how anybody could not agree with or accept it. The spirit of this part of the legislation is crucial.