Tánaiste Launches Menni Services’ Brochure, Equality Through Supported Employment

The Tánaiste continued "In spite of the improved employment situation in recent years, many people with disabilities experience difficulties in gaining access to, and remaining in, the labour market. It is estimated that 70 to 80% of people with disabilities in Ireland are unemployed. At a time when many employers are finding it difficult to fill vacancies, there needs to be a recognition that people with disabilities can contribute to meeting the current skills shortages in many sectors. People with disabilities in employment are generally conscientious, hard-working and enthusiastic."

The responsibility for the employment and training of people with disabilities transferred to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 12th. June, as part of a process of mainstreaming services to people with disabilities. One of the Department’s main objectives is to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities and promote their integration into the open labour market.

The Tánaiste said "The Government has been very successful in its approach to tackling long-term unemployment through adopting an individualised approach to each individual’s training needs and employment preferences. Supported Employment is built on the same principles of person-centred planning and placement. The added dimension in the Supported Employment model is the on-going assistance of the Job Coach."

The Tánaiste continued "Pilot Supported Employment projects for people with disabilities have proven themselves effective in Ireland and, as a result of the positive outcomes of these pilot projects, I secured a sum of £4 million in Budget 2000 to fund a national Supported Employment Programme. I am pleased to say that I will be launching this programme in the next few weeks. I will also be announcing details of Disability Awareness Training grants to companies," the Tánaiste said.

Concluding the Tanaiste said "I know that there are employers here today who have employed people with disabilities under Menni’s Supported Employment programmes. I want to compliment you for your initiative: the potential of the Supported Employment model would have remained un-tested without the willingness of employers to take on people with disabilities. I would encourage you - and your business associations - to promote the employment of people with disabilities as a valid source of labour. I hope that many employers will take the opportunity to engage in the new Supported Employment programme and that they will experience, first hand, the enthusiasm and work commitment of people with disabilities."