EmployAbility Clare has proudly served County Clare for over two decades, supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to access meaningful work. At the same time, the service helps employers understand the practical and strategic benefits of inclusive hiring.
Breaking Barriers for 22 Years
In November, Marie Killeen, Service Manager at EmployAbility Clare, addressed to the Joint Committee on Disability Matters in Leinster House.
Marie began her statement with a stark reality:
"Imagine you or someone you love has a condition like Scoliosis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. You want to work, you need to work, but every scheme assumes you can manage full-time hours. That fear is real for most of our clients."
The Challenge: WPEP’s 30-Hour Barrier
Marie highlighted the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) as a prime example of well-intentioned policy that misses the mark for many people with disabilities. WPEP offers a six-month voluntary placement that benefits employers and jobseekers alike. However, its 30-hour weekly requirement excludes those who cannot sustain full-time work. Even participants who complete the programme often face a "cliff edge," unable to transition into sustainable employment.
"A huge opportunity is being lost here," Marie told the Committee. "Our clients just need a foot in the door to prove what they can do."
Learning from International Best Practice
Marie urged Ireland to look to Sweden, which boasts Europe’s highest disability employment rate thanks to flexible, part-time entry points. In contrast, Ireland ranks lowest. She reminded the Committee of our obligations under Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which calls for an inclusive and accessible labour market.
The numbers speak volumes: 22% of Ireland’s population lives with a disability or long-term condition—over 1.1 million people according to the 2022 Census. Most workplace accommodations cost little or nothing, yet deliver significant returns. As Marie put it:
"Inclusion isn’t charity—it’s a smart, strategic advantage for growth."
EmployAbility Clare’s Key Recommendation
EmployAbility Clare’s top recommendation is clear: introduce an 8-hour minimum WPEP option. This would allow people with disabilities to build confidence, retain essential supports, and contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Marie set a bold goal:
"By December 2026, we want WPEP to be truly accessible to people with disabilities or health conditions."
She acknowledged that this requires policy and operational change but stressed that real transformation starts on the ground:
"When we lead from the ground up, we create solutions that truly work for everyone."
Why This Matters for INOU Affiliates
For INOU affiliates, this message underscores a shared mission: ensuring that employment schemes reflect the realities of those furthest from the labour market. Advocating for flexibility in programmes like WPEP is not just about fairness—it’s about unlocking Ireland’s largest untapped talent pool and driving inclusive economic growth.
EmployAbility Clare commended the Department of Social Protection for its leadership and responsiveness in recent years and expressed optimism that this recommendation can deliver lasting, worthwhile change.
Call to Action
INOU affiliates can amplify this message by:
- Engaging with policymakers to support flexible WPEP options.
- Sharing success stories of inclusive hiring with local employers.
- Highlighting the economic and social benefits of disability inclusion in your networks.
Together, we can ensure that Ireland moves from the bottom of the European disability employment rankings to a position of leadership—creating workplaces where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Contact:
Marie Killeen, Service Manager
EmployAbility Clare
Unit 7C, Elevation Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare
T: 065 6844007 | E: mariek@employabilityclare.ie
www.employabilityclare.ie