Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
215. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progression pathways in place for disabled people who have completed their apprentices and are ready for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67259/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEuropean Commission data from 2022 shows that Ireland’s disability employment gap, at 38.6%, is the widest in the European Union. Closing this gap is a key Government priority. In September 2025, my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, which commits to substantially reducing the employment gap between disabled people and others in work.
As Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, my focus is to ensure that disabled learners have access to quality tertiary education that equips them with the skills needed for employment.
Apprenticeships play an important role in achieving this because apprentices are employees as well as learners. At least 50% of training in all national apprenticeship programmes takes place in the workplace, combining practical, industry-relevant experience with formal education. This approach builds technical expertise while developing essential skills such as communication and teamwork.
Minister Lawless and I have prioritised investment in apprenticeships and the expansion of public service apprenticeship opportunities to create meaningful career pathways for people with disabilities in the workplace, including in the civil and public service.
Expanding access to apprenticeships is a core goal of the Apprenticeship Action Plan. To advance this, the Access and Inclusion Sub-Committee of the National Apprenticeship Alliance will finalise guidance in 2025 to help employers create disability-inclusive workplaces.
Education and Training Boards also partner with Specialist Training Providers to offer training to disabled learners who are experiencing exclusion and labour market disadvantage.
Supporting people with disabilities remains a priority. Building on learnings from my Department's National Disability Symposium last October, we will launch a Disability Demonstration Project to explore education transitions, student supports, and work experience opportunities for disabled people.
