Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne again for raising this issue. I agree wholeheartedly with her. As I outlined in my opening statement, the Government has made significant strides forward but we realise we have much more to do to address the issues of underemployment of people with disabilities. I met recently with residents in RehabCare in Kilkenny. Again, there is a great deal of frustration out there among people with disabilities who are trying to access the workplace. They often find themselves getting work experience which goes on for indefinite periods of time when they are not getting paid. It is critically important that we have an infrastructure here, as we are a country with full employment. These people who have so much to offer in the workplace and often add to the diversity of it. It is vitally important that we try to address this.

I believe the commitment of the Minister is unwavering with regard to the public consultation on the Green Paper. It is very important and I urge all disability organisations to engage with this process in a positive way.