Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Part of the remit of those associated with the national disability inclusion strategy concerns transport. This fits in with what Senator Conway is saying, namely, that the UN convention is not just aspirational and that we need to give it teeth and make it deliver. Having a special debate here at some time on employment for people with disabilities would help me. Having such a debate in the Seanad Chamber would give us another push. There is a lot going on at present and there are examples of good practice. Nearly 7,000 people with some form of disability are working across all the county and city councils and public services. That is a step in the right direction. There is a target of 6%. It used to be 3%. Some educational institutes and some places of employment have gone over the 6% target in examples of good practice. We do not acknowledge that and it is important to mention it. I strongly support the call for a debate. I wish the Senator the best of luck in having it here.

With regard to Senator Murnane O'Connor’s point, I mentioned the assessment of need. I will talk to her about the Carlow case and Holy Angels day care centre.