Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

266. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to recent research which found two-thirds of disabled persons were out of work; the steps he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54184/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the statistic to which the Deputy refers.  It is a priority for me to ensure that people with disabilities, who are able to and want to work, are fully supported and enabled to do so.

As the Deputy will be aware, in July of this year I launched the new National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021. This Strategy is a whole of Government approach to improving the lives of people with disabilities both in a practical sense, and also in creating the best possible opportunities for people with disabilities to fulfil their potential. The Strategy focuses on eight vital areas, one of which is Employment. Five high level objectives in relation to Employment are identified as follows:

- People with disabilities are encouraged and motivated to develop to the maximum of their potential, with a view to participating in further education and employment.

- People with disabilities have the opportunity to work and have a career.

- People who become disabled are given the supports they need to remain in or return work if they so choose.

- People with disabilities are financially better off in work.

- Employers can easily access information about employing a person with a disability.

These objectives are underpinned by 11 specific, measureable and time bound actions. In particular I would bring the Deputy's particular attention to Action 47, “We will fully implement the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for persons with disabilities.”

As the Deputy will be aware, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy was launched in October 2015. The Strategy sets out a ten-year 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. The Strategy's six strategic priorities are:

- Build skills, capacity and independence

- Provide bridges and supports into work

- Make work pay (the Make Work Pay Report was launched in April 2016 and many of its recommendations are already being implemented).

- Promote job retention and re-entry to work

- Provide coordinated and seamless support

- Engage employers

The Comprehensive Employment Strategy includes a range of practical measures to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.  For example, a national employer helpline was launched in January 2016 to provide expert guidance and peer support to employers in relation to the employment of staff with disabilities. There will be an increase in the public sector employment quota from 3% to 6% on a phased basis to 2024, and arrangements are also being put in place for dedicated recruitment channels for people with disabilities.

Given the complex cross-government nature of the strategy, an oversight implementation group was established in 2015 under the independent chairmanship of Fergus Finlay. This group is tasked with monitoring the progress of the six strategic priorities of the strategy, ensuring that each Government Department is fulfilling its obligations and meeting its targets. The Chair's first annual report is available here: .

The Chair will publish his second Annual Report in early 2018.