Subsidy scheme to boost employment of disabled

19/07/2005 - 15:49:13
Businesses were being urged today to follow the example of the public sector by providing more job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The disabled are two-and-a-half times more likely to be unemployed than the able-bodied - despite having as many qualifications.

It’s hoped that the introduction of the subsidy scheme will challenge reluctance to tap into the under-used skills resource provided by people with disabilities.

Shira Mehlman of FÁS said their experience showed that disabled people went into a diverse spectrum of occupations.

Ms Mehlman said: "The number of disabled people going on to third level education has dramatically increased in the last couple of years.

"So we’re talking about people who are very qualified in terms of third level graduates."