Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the establishment of a sub-group on a comprehensive employment strategy. [6002/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Work on the further development of a draft outline for a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities is on-going with a view to setting out a continuum of supports to employment that is comprehensive across the full range and spectrum of disabilities. In this regard a Cross-Sectoral Group co-chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Health and Children has been established. It also include representatives from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Health Service Executive, and FÁS.

The purpose of the group is to provide a mechanism for a cross sectoral approach between Government Departments and agencies with responsibility for delivering Government policy in respect of training and employment services for people with disabilities. In addition, the group seeks to progress a targeted action plan based on the commitments in the relevant Departmental Sectoral Plans under the Disability Act, 2005.

Discussions are on–going in the sub-group in respect of these objectives with a view to finalising the draft outline for a comprehensive employment strategy as soon as possible. On completion of this work, it is intended that the strategy will be referred back to the Consultative Forum under the Sectoral Plan of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and employment for proposed sign-off.