Retailer Superquinn and Kerry Local Authorities were last night named as winners of the O2 Ability Best Practice Companies 2005 awards, for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, presented the two winners with their awards at a ceremony in Dublin Castle. The ceremony also named five individual category winners: South Dublin County Council, recruitment and selection; Jurys Doyle Hotels, training and retention; National Aquatic Centre, customer service; Dublin Bus, leadership; and the Public Appointments Service, environmental accessibility.
The awards were presented by a number of celebrity guests, including Manchester United and Republic of Ireland soccer international Mr Roy Keane, and Irish rugby coach Mr Eddie O'Sullivan.
The Aisling Foundation, which promotes hiring disabled people, organised the awards. Along with mobile operator O2, the other backers were The Irish Times, Newstalk 106FM, the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform, and FÁS.
The awards recognise employers who apply best practice to hiring and retaining staff with disabilities.
Mr Ned Sullivan, mayor of Kerry, accepted the award on behalf of the four local authorities involved, Kerry County Council and Killarney, Listowel and Tralee town councils.
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