Disability Issues

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Ceisteanna (237)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

237. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to increase employment opportunities for autistic people. [38122/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality

I thank the Deputy for this question. Government is absolutely committed to enhancing employment opportunities for disabled people, including autistic people. Pillar 2 of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 is dedicated to the topic of Employment and, through a suite of measures being led by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Minister for Social Protection, aims to reduce the employment gap between disabled people and others who are in employment.

Specifically in relation to autistic people, Government's Autism Innovation Strategy was published in August 2024. The Strategy contains 83 actions, committed to by 11 Government Departments and several public bodies. Pillar two of the Strategy contains a number of actions directly addressing employment opportunities for autistic people.

These actions are being led by relevant Government Departments, such as the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and relevant State agencies such as the Public Appointments Service.