People with disabilities trying to access the workplace in Kilkenny left 'frustrated'

The challenges faced by people with disabilities and their difficulties accessing full-time employment were raised recently in Seanad Éireann by Minister of State, Malcolm Noonan TD.

"The government has made significant strides forward but we realise we have much more to do to address the issues of underemployment of people with disabilities," he said.

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"I met recently with residents in RehabCare in Kilkenny. Again, there is a great deal of frustration out there among people with disabilities who are trying to access the workplace.

"They often find themselves getting work experience which goes on for indefinite periods of time when they are not getting paid. It is critically important that we have an infrastructure here, as we are a country with full employment.

"These people who have so much to offer in the workplace and often add to the diversity of it. It is vitally important that we try to address this."