Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made towards developing a comprehensive employment strategy; the likely publication date and the steps being taken to ensure the employment situation of persons with mental health problems is adequately addressed in the strategy. [9347/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made towards developing a comprehensive employment strategy for persons with disabilities and the likely publication date. [9348/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.

Under the sectoral plan of the former Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, an outline for a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities has been advanced in discussions with other Departments and stakeholder representatives. The further development of this strategy is the subject of ongoing discussions in a cross-sectoral group comprising relevant Departments and State agencies. The sectoral plan did not contain a commitment to publish a comprehensive employment strategy. The objective of the strategy is the provision of a continuum of supports to employment that is comprehensive across the full range and spectrum of disabilities. Its aim is to address the diversity of circumstances, needs and abilities of people with disabilities, and to enhance the operation and effectiveness of the range of FÁS supports and services for facilitating increased participation of this cohort in the labour market.