British Irish Council meets to discuss Social Inclusion

24 October 2006

Ministers from across the British Isles met at the Scottish Parliament last Friday and reiterated their commitment to helping people with disabilities and health conditions reach their full potential.

Senator Paul Routier, representing Jersey, said : "We continue to learn a great deal from the exchange of information, knowledge and ideas through the British-Irish-Council. At the meeting, Ministers reviewed work on disability, access to employment, education and training. It was recognised that disability can create barriers for people wishing to access employment, education or training and Ministers pledged to continue work to overcome those challenges.

Ministers noted that strategies to assist people into employment can have a major positive impact on their lives and the communities in which they live, but that they depend on effective engagement with employers".

Senator Routier said "I believe the work of this group of officers from across all the administrations will have a significant influence as strategies are developed for helping ensure that people with disabilities have fairer access to employment, education and training opportunities. We have agreed to continue this exchange of information and good ractice and to learn from each other’s experiences."

Ann Esterson, a member of the Working Group also co-presented the findings to the Council, said "Considerable progress has been made in Jersey towards the integration of people with disabilities in the workplace over the last decade. Much still needs to be done but when the Group visited Jersey last year, they were impressed by the integrated approach taken and the progress made over the last decade. It was noted that smaller administrations like Jersey can lead the way in developing integrated approaches."

Paul Routier concluded "I encouraged the group to allow people with disabilities to take risks, and I am very pleased that other Ministers think similarly. Work is not only the best route out of poverty but improves health, boosts dignity and self-esteem, and enhances the lives, not only of people with disabilities and health conditions but also those of their families, friends and the community as a whole."