Council urged to join initiative promoting access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities

Meath County Council has been urged to actively participate in the WAM – Willing Able Mentoring – programme to attract new employees with disabilities to the authority.

WAM is a work placement initiative designed to promote access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities and to support employers in embedding disability inclusion within the workplace.

At last week's meeting of the council, Cllr Sarah Reilly proposed the council actively participate in the programme, while acknowledging the council is an equal opportunities employer. Cllr Alan Tobin seconded the proposal.

Cllr Reilly said the WAM Programme had been in place since 2005 and had provided over 800 placements for graduates with disabilities.

"It connects employers with talented graduates through mentored, paid work placements—creating real opportunities while helping organisations build more inclusive workplaces.

"Many leading organisations are already involved, recognising the value that diversity and inclusion bring.

"I want to acknowledge the positive work already being done by Meath County Council. We are an equal opportunities employer, we have a clear commitment to diversity, and the appointment of an Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing officer is a very welcome step.

"It is also important to recognise that over seven per cent of the Council’s workforce has declared a disability, and that reasonable accommodations are being provided to support staff in their roles. The Council has also engaged with programmes like the Work Placement Experience Programme to support employment opportunities.

"All of this is positive, but we can do more. We have not yet engaged with the WAM Programme, and I believe that is an opportunity worth taking.

"WAM is not just about placements—it is about partnership, mentoring, and embedding inclusion into everyday workplace practice.

"By participating, the Council would be showing leadership and a clear commitment to creating pathways into employment.

"This is not about ticking boxes—it’s about recognising ability and potential."

Cllr Reilly said there is a wealth of talent among graduates with disabilities. "When we create opportunities, we strengthen both our organisation and our community.

"We can also see the wider commitment to inclusion through initiatives like the Local Enterprise Office’s 10-week Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities programme. This is a strong example of how we are already supporting people to reach their potential.

"But alongside entrepreneurship, we must continue to strengthen employment pathways—and WAM is a natural next step. This motion is about building on the good work already underway.

"Participation in WAM would be a partnership, supported by the Department of Social Protection, and would place the Council among a strong network of inclusive employers."

Cllr Reilly was told Meath County Council is an equal opportunities employer, with the objective of being an employer of choice and attracting and retaining a skilled and experienced workforce. As part of this objective, the Council is committed to workplace diversity, including the employment of people with a disability.

The council recently appointed an officer with responsibility for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing and over seven per cent of its workforce has a disability. "While the Council has yet to use the WAM Programme to attract new employees, it has successfully used other programmes such as the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)(facilitated by EmployAbility, funded by the Department of Social Protection) to employ graduates with a disability. The Council will continue to use such programmes in the future, including the WAM Programme, to the mutual benefit of the council and individuals with a disability."