Minister Calleary visits Ballina Disability and Carer Engagement Event

• Over 40 organisations at event in Great National Hotel to showcase employment pathways for carers and disabled people
• Event part of Department of Social Protection’s Intreo Work and Skills Initiative
• Work and Skills events taking place across Ireland from today until the 13th March

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, today visited the Intreo Work and Skills Disability and Carer Engagement Event which took place at the Great National Hotel, Ballina.

The Minister met with attendees and supporting organisations at the event which was hosted by the Department of Social Protection as part of its nationwide Intreo Work and Skills initiative.

Over 40 organisations attended today’s event to showcase employment pathways for disabled people and those with caring responsibilities.

The event also featured two innovative Mayo-based companies who produce support products for disabled people:

• Cubbie – creators of the multi sensory “Cubbie Pod”, designed to support individuals in managing sensory needs and promoting social inclusion.
• SPINI – developers of the SPINI VR Chair, a rotational sensory seat designed to support rapid sensory regulation for neurodiverse individuals.

The event is part of the Department’s Intreo Work and Skills campaign which commences today, with a wide variety of recruitment and information events taking place across the country over the next two weeks.

Information on the full range of Intreo Work and Skills events, including details on how to register to attend, is available at www.Gov.ie/WorkandSkills.

Commenting on the visit to Ballina, Minister Calleary said:

“It was a privilege to visit today’s event at the Great National Hotel and to spend time with so many carers, disabled people, advocates and support organisations. The sense of community, resilience and mutual support in the room was inspiring.

Carers and disabled people make an extraordinary contribution to our society and deserve recognition, respect, and equal opportunity. As a Government, we are committed to breaking down barriers, expanding access to services, and ensuring that disabled people can fully participate in every aspect of Irish life — including employment, education and community life.

Events like today’s are so important. They create space for connection, shared experience and practical support. Attendees had the opportunity to meet organisations dedicated to empowering them, explore pathways to employment, and access services designed to meet their individual needs and aspirations.

I was also delighted to meet staff from my Department, whose commitment to supporting carers and disabled people is evident in their daily work. I want to sincerely thank them — and everyone involved — for their dedication, compassion and continued advocacy.

There are many Work and Skills events taking place across the country from today, and I encourage anyone interested in attending an event to visit Gov.ie/WorkandSkills for more information.”

Notes:

Intreo is the Government of Ireland’s public employment service, which is delivered by the Department of Social Protection as a single point of contact for all employment and income supports. It provides practical, tailored employment services and supports for both jobseekers and employers.

Intreo Work and Skills events provide jobseekers with an opportunity to connect with employers who are actively recruiting. Jobseekers can also learn about the training options available, and avail of job seeking advice to help them take the next step in their career.

List of Organisations who attended today’s event: