Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed the Minister of State is not accepting the amendment, particularly in view of the consensus in favour of it. This is the type of commitment we all wish to see. We must try to encourage greater numbers of people with disabilities to enter employment.

We should put structures in place whereby State organisations or public bodies would be obliged to fill at least 3% of staff positions with people with disabilities. In many other areas we have seen that if structures are not put in place and organisations are not obliged to act the desired measures will not take effect. People will take the easiest route. In some situations employing people with disabilities requires a greater input from employers.

People with disabilities in employment have a huge contribution to make but, as the Minister of State is aware, employers initially do not think of employing someone with a disability. In order to avoid such a situation we must make employers think about it. The way to do this is to oblige them to employ a quota of people with disabilities. If the State does not undertake this measure we cannot expect the private sector to do it. We must lead by example. I ask the Minister of State to reconsider, to accept this amendment and thereby make it possible for many people with disabilities to access employment.

There are many people who have achieved a considerable amount through educating themselves, despite difficult circumstances. These people need the breaks as there are walls preventing people with disabilities from entering employment. The State sector must set the example and we must set standards and quotas. Unfortunately that is what is required, otherwise many capable people will be left behind. I do not accept the Minister of State's response, and ask him to reconsider before I table this again on Report Stage.