Rehab Enterprises in Portlaoise to hold open day
The open day will showcase a range of products and services delivered at the Portlaoise facility, including packaging, distribution and tailored business solutions for companies
REHAB Enterprises in Portlaoise who employ people with disabilities is hosting an open day to showcase its inclusion and employment opportunities on Friday 3 October.
The open day will offer an opportunity to local businesses, local institutions, community organisations and public representatives to see at first-hand the skills, innovation and contribution of its workforce.
Part of the Rehab Group, Rehab Enterprises is a social enterprise operating a unique integrated employment policy. Its work supports a diverse customer base that spans the HSE, first responders, local authorities, SMEs and large multinational companies. By delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions, the enterprise demonstrates how commercial success can go hand in hand with a strong social impact.
The open day at Rehab Enterprises’ Portlaoise factory at B4 National Enterprise Park, Clonminam will be held between 10.30am and 12 noon.
It will showcase the diverse range of products and services delivered at the Portlaoise facility, including packaging, distribution and tailored business solutions for leading Irish companies. At the heart of the event is a clear message: meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities strengthen businesses, communities, and society.
Despite the talent and commitment on display at workplaces like Rehab Enterprises, Ireland continues to record one of the lowest employment rates for people with disabilities in the European Union. Fewer than one in three people with disabilities in Ireland are in paid employment, a figure that lags far behind the EU average.
Director of Rehab Enterprises Kevin Gregory said: “We are immensely proud of the dedication and professionalism of our employees here in Portlaoise, but Ireland needs to do more. Far too many people with disabilities are still excluded from the workplace, and this open day is about showing what is possible when barriers are removed.”
The event will also highlight Ireland’s poor uptake of Article 20 of the EU Public Procurement Directive, which permits governments to reserve contracts specifically for businesses that employ people with disabilities. While widely used in other European countries to advance inclusion, Ireland’s use of this tool remains limited.
Mr Gregory said: “Public procurement can and should be a driver of social change. Article 20 is a ready-made mechanism for building inclusive labour markets, yet Ireland has failed to harness its potential. Greater commitment in this area would unlock opportunities for thousands of people including employees of Rehab Enterprises.”
Businesses and public representatives are all invited to attend the open day to learn more about the achievements of the Portlaoise team but also to spark a wider conversation about the changes needed to make Ireland a leader in disability employment.
ENDS
