Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his Department's progress under the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18806/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The pillars underpinning the development of a comprehensive employment strategy under the Sectoral Plan for people with disabilities of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are:

Enhancing the effectiveness of vocational training and employment programmes

Further developing supports to the employment of people with disabilities

Developing and advancing actions under the mainstreaming agenda in the context of maximising the delivery of services of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its agencies to promote the interests of people with disabilities.

The aim of this strategy is to address the diversity of circumstances, needs and abilities of people with disabilities, and to work towards the highest possible levels of employment for them. The comprehensive employment strategy is being developed by my Department over the period to 2010. My Department has established a Consultative Forum on the Employment Strategy. It includes representatives from relevant Government Departments, the social partners, and other interests. The Forum provides a channel for members to discuss and to put forward their views on strategic issues within the overall remit of the Department, in conjunction with its agencies and other Government Departments. These relate to issues that directly, or indirectly, impact on the lives of people with disabilities, and those relating to the delivery of vocational training and employment services. The Consultative Forum has met on two occasions so far this year. Its agenda for the immediate future focuses on job retention, job supports and job preparation for those with disabilities.