Minister Calleary meets carers and disability groups at Mayo town’s employment event

The Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary visited Ballina yesterday (Monday, March 2) for a major disability and carer engagement event aimed at opening up employment and training opportunities across Mayo.

The Intreo Work and Skills Disability and Carer Engagement Event took place at the Great National Hotel Ballina, bringing together more than 40 organisations to showcase employment pathways for disabled people and those with caring responsibilities.

Hosted by the Department of Social Protection, the event forms part of the nationwide Intreo Work and Skills initiative, which runs from March 2 until March 13, with recruitment and information events taking place across the country.

During his visit, Minister Calleary met with carers, disabled people, advocacy groups, employers and frontline staff from his department.

“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,” he said.

“The sense of community, resilience and mutual support in the room was inspiring.”

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The event highlighted a wide range of supports and opportunities available locally, with employers, education providers, community organisations and State agencies in attendance.

Two innovative Mayo-based companies also featured prominently. Cubbie showcased its multi-sensory “Cubbie Pod”, designed to help individuals manage sensory needs and promote social inclusion, while Belmullet-based SPINI demonstrated its SPINI VR Chair — a rotational sensory seat aimed at supporting rapid sensory regulation for neurodiverse individuals.

Minister Calleary said carers and disabled people make an “extraordinary contribution” to society and deserve 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,” he said.

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He added that events like the one held in Ballina create vital opportunities for connection and support, allowing attendees to meet organisations suited to their needs.

“They create space for connection, shared experience and practical support,” said Minister Calleary. “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.”

Intreo, the Government’s public employment service, provides tailored employment services and income supports for jobseekers and employers. Work and Skills events offer jobseekers the chance to connect directly with employers who are actively recruiting, as well as learn about training options and access job-seeking advice.

Among the organisations represented in Ballina were Family Carers Ireland, Down Syndrome Mayo, Western Care, Mayo Mental Health, Mayo Sports Partnership, An Garda Síochána, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo Training Institute and a range of local employers and apprenticeship programmes.

The Ballina event marks the beginning of two weeks of nationwide engagements under the Intreo Work and Skills campaign, aimed at supporting people across Ireland to take the next step in their employment journey.

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