Disability groups censure Tánaiste

DISABILITY groups yesterday accused Tánaiste Mary Harney of being disingenuous after she called on business leaders to employ people with disabilities.

Amnesty International, which is due to raise its concerns on mental disability with Health Minister Micheál Martin next week, said the Tánaiste's comments came at a time when Ireland was being criticised internationally for its treatment people with disabilities.

"It does seem disingenuous to me," said Amnesty's Fiona Crowley. "We have seen legislation which discriminates against disabled people criticised by the UN Committee on Economic and Social Rights last year and we have in force here legislation which limits the obligations of employers to be open and flexible towards employing disabled staff."

Speaking at a special conference on disability in the workplace at Dublin Castle yesterday, Ms Harney said employers should show leadership by seeking persons with disabilities when recruiting staff.

"This entire sector is shrouded in misguided prejudice, which is preventing a significant sector of the Irish workforce from making a valuable contribution to our economy," the Tánaiste said.

Ms Harney said several myths surrounding disability needed to be shattered having a disability does not automatically mean someone is in bad health. She also said it was a myth that employing someone with a disability would always involve extra cost or insurance liability.

"Quite apart from the fact they have an absolute right to work, our international and domestic experience demonstrates that persons with disabilities are hardworking, honest and loyal. They stay in their jobs longer, thus reducing recruitment, advertising and training costs," she said, adding that there were a range of State supports on offer to encourage such employment.

However, Ms Crowley said the Government still had a lot to do in the field of disability. "We are hoping they will turn out a good Disability Bill this year and we would call on them to make an international commitment to dispelling the belief abroad that Ireland is opposing the UN Disability Treaty," she said.

The Government's controversial Disability Bill was scrapped last year following criticism from disability groups. The new version is due to be published before the end of the summer.