Disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as the rest of the population, according to a Government think-tank. Edward Power reports.
Sixty per cent of disabled people aged 16 to 64 do not work, compared to 35 per cent of the general population, the National Disability Authority says in a new report.
The authority, established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform three years ago, single out the public service for criticism, saying it has failed to achieve a target of employing 3 per cent disabled workers, agreed 27 years ago.
This voluntary quota should be made a legal obligation said Ms Angela Kerins, chair of the authority. She was speaking yesterday at the launch of the study; Towards Best Practise in the Provision of Further Education, Employment and Training Services for People with Disabilities in Ireland.
Ms Kerins said: "Despite progress made in employment, training and further education services for people with disabilities, this report clearly shows that the potential contribution of people with disabilities to the economic and social development in Ireland has yet to be recognised . . ."