Deputy Harris addresses European Conference in Dublin on supporting people with disabilities in employment

Wicklow Fine Gael TD and disability advocate, Simon Harris has addressed the 11th annual European Union Supported Employment Conference which took place in Dublin as an associated event for the Irish Presidency of the European Council.

Deputy Harris was invited to address the conference in recognition of his long-standing work in the area of disability and also to act as Master of Ceremonies for a networking event between stakeholders from across the EU involved in supported employment for people with disabilities.
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Harris called for more work to be done across the European Union to support people with disabilities in accessing the workforce.

“Supported employment provides for people with disabilities to gain a greater sense of value and self -confidence while at the same time providing a tangible economic value to the employers and playing a constructive part in our economy. It is the socially, morally and economically corrected approach.

“Clearly more needs to be done as the benefits and results of supported employment programmes are clear for all to see and can be borne out by international statistics presented at the conference. I am really pleased that this very worthy event took place in Dublin as part of our Irish Presidency of the European Council and I remain committed to pursuing this issue in the Dáil,” concluded Deputy Harris.

ENDS