Mary Henry (Independent)

The thrust of the Bill is to integrate people with disabilities into society. That is of benefit to everyone as well as to the individuals concerned. This is an area where we have influence in a way that can be measured. It would be wise of the Minister to accept this amendment given that it is receiving support from all sides of the House.

Senator Quinn has rightly been praised for the amount of employment he gives to people with disabilities in his business. However, he is not employing them because he believes he is a charity. These people are well able to do the work. The Senator is not doing this as a sop to society. I meet these people in the shop in Blackrock and they are well able to do the work. We must also take note of the dreadful levels of unemployment among people with disabilities. We now have a chance to include something measurable in the legislation. We would be most grateful if the Minister would accept Senator Terry's amendment. Be she a woman or lady, she would be delighted to get it accepted under any guise.