Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the interdepartmental group to support the comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities was convened; the number of times it has met; the progress and outcomes achieved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37360/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities was launched in October 2015. It sets out a ten-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities who are able to, and want to, work are supported and enabled to do so. It is a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and State agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment of people with disabilities. In tandem with that, it seeks to ensure there will be joined-up services and supports at local level to support individuals on their journey into and in employment. Implementation of the Strategy will be subject to regular monitoring, and there will be a review and renewal every three years.

The Strategy's six strategic priorities are to:

- Build skills, capacity and independence;

- Provide bridges and supports into work;

- Make work pay;

- Promote job retention and re-entry to work;

- Provide coordinated and seamless support

- Engage employers.

The Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group convened for the first time in October 2015, and has met on seven occasions to-date. I understand that the Group's first Annual Report, detailing progress made to-date, will be presented to me shortly, and I will arrange to have it published as soon as possible thereafter.