Dia dhaoibh a chairde. Tá an áthas orm bheith anseo libh inniu. Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
I’m delighted to be here with you to launch the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities.
More than 40 groups made submissions to the preparation of this strategy indicating how vital this strategy is in and for the lives of so many.
I commend all those involved in developing this strategy, particularly the National Disability Authority and Mr Christy Lynch of KARE who, together, led the consultation process.
We have come a long way from the dark days when having a disability banished men, women and children to the margins of society, where if they were lucky they were seen, but even then, they were so very rarely heard.
They lived their lives, defined by their disability.
Not by the myriad possibilities of their ability - or the intrinsic value of their very existence in their families, community, society, country.
It is time to focus now on that ability, on their desire and their determination, and their right, to be part of the national task of getting Ireland back to work.
To do that they need autonomy, flexibility, the kind of service that respects their human dignity and meets their individual needs.
It seems ludicrous that in 2015 we still have to iterate this.
Our shared campaign for equality in our society still has a long way to go. But, I can assure you, we will get there.
And we will because this strategy has the backing of every Government Minister.
We will because this is a strategic approach, to make sure that any man or woman living with disability, and who wants to work, can do so - because they will be supported to.
For the strategy to be as successful as possible, it is not only about government support but about agency and public buy-in, be it in the community, disability groups and in terms of employers.
It will mean working together to make sure the right opportunities are offered to the right people at the right time, according to their ability, skill-set and those crucial supports.
I’m delighted that Fergus Finlay will play a lead role in driving forward this strategy, monitoring its implementation across government.
Early intervention/ Planning
Critical to all of this will be education and training and those all-important pathways to work for young adults who are living with a disability.
Fergus, this for me is a priority. I know it is equally so for you.
Because independent living doesn’t start for people once they leave school.
They must be better supported while they are still at school, and the transition from school to further training or the workforce must be more seamless.
This won’t happen by itself. We must plan for it and plan well.
We know already that young people with disabilities who do work experience during their school years, and in particular paid work, have a significantly-higher employment rate thereafter.
That is why we must get in early and give them the supports and opportunities they need.
Bridging the gap to employment
Many people living with disability want to work.
They want the sense of belonging to the workforce, something the rest of us who have jobs take for granted.
Through this strategy we will give them the bridge to that workforce.
We know that people with disability know that it pays to work.
Why should they be any different?
They should not be in a position where they fear losing entitlements or that they will not qualify again for social supports if, for some reason, a job doesn’t work out.
People with disability who want to get back to work need to have the confidence and the comfort of knowing exactly what they will take home in their pay packet vis a vis their welfare entitlements.
I welcome the establishment of the Making Work Pay group with Frances Ruane at the helm, as part of this strategy to address this matter.
Personalised Budgeting
Separate to this strategy, but equally important is the opportunity for more control and choice for people with disabilities, in terms of the services they receive.
It is they - not we - who are the experts on what they need.
Three weeks ago, I met a group of disability representatives.
Michelle Gaynor among them.
Her words stuck with me.
‘Let me fail.....If I never fail, I will never learn.’
I know that over 100 projects have been undertaken to examine the practical aspects of introducing personalised budgeting. It is complex and can take different forms. And I know that Minister Lynch is ensuring momentum on this commitment.
Conclusion
This strategy is not only about those living with disability. It is about all of us - a society.
It’s about the kind of Ireland we want to build and work in and live in together, each with our own particular ability.
You must have your opportunity to work.
And we must make sure you get it.
Thank you.