Ireland has one of the lowest disability employment rates in the EU at just 32.6%, almost 20 points below the EU average.
For Autistic people, the picture is starker, with global research showing over 80% are unemployed. This was the urgent message to employers and policymakers at today’s lunchtime session at the 14th Autism-Europe International Congress in Dublin’s RDS.
The event, hosted by Ibec and AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, marked the launch of the Roadmap for Autism and Employment – a joint initiative setting out practical steps for government and business to address systemic barriers that keep Autistic people locked out of the workforce. “A collaborative initiative outlining practical steps for government and business to help reduce systemic barriers and support greater workforce inclusion for Autistic people.”
Chaired by Dr. Kara McGann, Head of Skills and Social Policy at Ibec, the session featured senior business leaders including Carolan Lennon, CEO of Salesforce Ireland, Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland, and Denis Doolan, Head of People Experience and Niamh Biddulph of An Post.
Speaking at the session, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “Autistic people have valuable skills and strengths to contribute to the workplace, and many want the opportunity to do so. However, systemic barriers still prevent too many from accessing meaningful employment. This is not just a social justice issue it’s an economic imperative. At a time when talent is scarce, employers cannot afford to ignore the potential of an entire community. Our roadmap sets out how Ireland can move from rhetoric to real action – and create workplaces where Autistic people are accepted as they are.”
Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, added:
“At Ibec, we believe diversity is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic business imperative. Embracing neurodiversity enhances decision-making, drives innovation, and strengthens workplace culture. The roadmap is a call to action for employers to seize this opportunity – and for government to reform the structures that still hold people back.”
The roadmap calls for reforms in areas such as inclusive recruitment, employer training, better workplace accommodations, and investment in Autism-specific employment supports. It also challenges government to rebalance disability spending – which currently directs the vast majority to income supports rather than employment supports – to unlock pathways into the labour market
Today’s discussion forms part of the Congress’s wider focus on tackling inequality and building inclusive societies. The three-day event has drawn nearly 2,000 delegates from around the world, including Autistic advocates, academics, and policymakers, to Dublin for the first time.