Jobseekers with disabilities must not be left behind

'Jobseekers with disabilites must not be left behind was the message from a the aunch of a set of proposals at Buswells Hotel in Dublin today by Sinn Féin aimed at increasing the number of opportunities for people with disabilities entering full-time employment.

Sinn Féin TDs Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Mary Lou McDonald and Senator Kathryn Reilly said that major shortfalls and gaps in existing schemes contribute to a situation where those with a physical disability are twice as likely to be unemployed, while only 15% of those with intellectual disabilities are in employment.

“Many people with disabilities would love to work if given the opportunity – the correct supports are needed to allow them to do that. There needs to be a shift of focus onto abilities rather than disabilities,” said Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD launching the 'A Fair Recovery for Jobseekers with Disabilities" document.

Key recommendations include opening mainstream job-seekers support to people with disabilities on a voluntary basis and increasing the capacity and promotion of specialist employment supports.

The party said it had conducted a wide-ranging consultation programme with disability groups and charities before

“In Switzerland 80% of those with a spinal injury go back to work, in Ireland almost the same number stay unemployed – so that needs to tell us something is wrong here,” said Aengus Ó Snodaigh who noted that while the recommendations include an initial investment, the long terms outcome would actually benefit the taxpayer:

“Greater investment in employment supports for people with disabilities would actually provide significant potential savings for the Department of Social Protection. The average saving per year from a person with a disability moving into sustained employment is €10,660."

Attending the event, Joe Mason of WALK and John Doran of the Disability Federation of Ireland both welcomed the recommendations as progressive and important actions which could be taken.

• You can read the full document here