Employment Rights
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-23
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James Lawless (FF), Kildare North

As I said, I am aware of the issue and am very much engaged with the Deputy and the workers on it. We have had good meetings with them. The Deputy engaged with my predecessor on the matter in a similarly constructive fashion. I thank him for the approach he has taken to it.
While we are talking about the assistance provided through those very diligent workers that the Deputy represents and those to whom he has introduced me in his area and other parts of the country, we also have work to do around the transitions from education into the workplace. Many learners with intellectual of physical difficulties have said to me - I have met a variety of groups - that they are managing to navigate the education system, but it is about actually getting a job. It is about getting the dignity at work at the far side. That is fundamental. I am working with my colleague the Minister, Deputy Calleary, on that and on the pathways. My Department is investing significantly. A number of officials are looking at a project around that to support that transition journey so that they will find an employer that is suited to their requirements and so we can make that journey work for all.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-23/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-27T06:54:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-23