Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am in no doubt about his good faith and is a huge advocate for people with disabilities in the workforce but there is a big difference between equality and equity, which is the problem. Everyone can access the grants but built-in equity in the system creates an inclusive society. People start at different levels and we, as Senators, have acknowledged on numerous occasions in this House, and the Cost of Disability In Ireland Report, which was compiled by the Department of Social Protection, highlights the cost of disability that everyone else does not have to take into consideration. Every grant needs to be equitable but they are not at the minute.

The Minister of State quite rightly talked about the workplace equipment adaptation grant. These are not individualised grants. A person is labour to his or her employer and he or she cannot bring those things with him or her. They are not individualised but they need to be for real equity. The employee retention grant is wonderful for someone who employs a person with a disability but the person with a disability does not receive it. Therefore, a lot of work needs to be done. The Department must engage with disability organisations or disabled people's organisations because a lot of work needs to be done. I am grateful for the Minister of State's openness about this matter.