Warning over access to jobs for disabled

Opening access to jobs, education and training is the key to helping people with disabilities reach their full potential, it was claimed today.

Getting paid to work not only beats poverty but also promotes social inclusion, said the Minister for Social Affairs, Seamus Brennan TD.

Speaking today in Scotland at special meeting of the British-Irish Council on Social Inclusion, he warned that people with special needs continue to face significant challenges when trying to gain employment, education and training.

“Opening up access to these opportunities helps people with disabilities reach their fullest potential and ensures that the talents and contributions of no one individual is ignored or overlooked,” he said.

“For those with disabilities who are able to work, paid employment offers the best means of combating poverty and promoting social inclusion. Employment also gives people self respect and opens the way for them to participate fully in society.”

At the Edinburgh meeting, hosted by Malcolm Chisholm MSP, Scottish Executive Minister for Communities, British and Irish ministers reviewed progress made in the Social Inclusion sector.

Representatives from Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey were also involved with the scheme.

The minister added: “I am delighted that the council’s work in the areas of disability and exclusion has looked at examples of best practice at both national and local levels and the important role that employers play in promoting the employment of people with disabilities.

“Today’s meeting has shown that the people of these islands face many similar challenges in the social and economic issues that affect their daily lives and we all have much to learn from each other’s experiences in addressing these challenges.”