Ahern urges employers to hire regardless of disabilities

Minister for Trade and Commerce, Michael Ahern today urged employers to hire the best candidates for jobs, regardless of their disabilities.

He was addressing the Regional Disability Conference in Cork on behalf of Frank Fahey.

Ahern quoted recent figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) that indicate just over 40% of people who have a disability, are in employment, compared with an overall rate of 65% for the population as whole.

"We need to de-stigmatise the concept of disability, and particularly mental health difficulties." he said.

He said that employers found the benefits of employing people with disabilities included reduced staff turnover, improved staff attendance, and a positive corporate image.

Alan Crosbie, Chairman of Thomas Crosbie Holdings and Examiner Publications hosted the conference.