Tánaiste congratulates staff of St. John of God Menni Services on receiving the Q Mark

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney today (Thursday 14th June, 2001) joined the staff of St. John of God Menni Services in a ceremony where they were presented with the Q Mark.

The Tánaiste continued "In today’s environment all organisations, whether operating commercially or providing a public service, must be able to respond to the needs of their customers. In recent years, there has been a major initiative in the Civil Service to improve effectiveness and deliver better services to the public. Menni Services are demonstrating that the Non Governmental sector also has an interest in continuously improving its services."

Menni play an important role in providing services to people with disabilities and to their families in the Dublin area. They provide education, vocational training, employment, residential living and personal supports to their client group. A key part of Menni’s philosophy is to bring dignity to every individual and empower them to exercise their right to be treated as equals.

The Tánaiste said "I believe that people with disabilities have an important contribution to make to our society and our economy. We have a tightening labour market, but there is a large pool of people with disabilities who can fill vacancies in many sectors. My Department is now responsible for the employment and vocational training of people with disabilities and we have made a number of commitments in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness which are aimed at improving employment options for people with disabilities."”

The Tánaiste continued "I know that Menni Services have been involved for a number of years in placing people with disabilities in employment. Last year, I launched a new Supported Employment Programme which has the potential to place an extra 800 people with disabilities into employment. I was pleased to learn that Menni Services is involved in one of the projects which was approved for funding by FAS."

Concluding the Tánaiste said "I want to compliment everyone in Menni Services for your commitment and success in achieving the Q Mark. I have no doubt that your client group will reap the benefits of your hard work over the coming months and years."