Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 4

Written Answers. - Employment Quota.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

11 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, which has been made towards implementing the 3 per cent employment quota for people with disabilities across the board in the public service; the steps, if any, he intends taking to reduce the current discrepancies regarding disabled employment between the various sectors of the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17293/96]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

The 3 per cent quota for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service was achieved at the end of 1993.

On the basis of information supplied to me by the relevant Departments, I understand that the position in relation to the quota in the health boards and local authorities at 31 December 1995 is 1.35 per cent and 2.29 per cent respectively.

My Department is represented on the Monitoring Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities which operates under the terms of theProgramme for Competitiveness and Work. This committee is concerned with the issue of enhancing the employment prospects of people with disabilities in both the public and private sectors. I understand that the monitoring committee commissioned a survey in the first three months of 1996 to ascertain the most up to date statistics in respect of semi-State bodies. I will make arrangements to have a copy of the survey supplied to the Deputy. My Department also maintains contact with various Government Departments and IBEC with a view to improving the employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

I recently published the Employment Equality Bill which will prohibit discrimination in employment on a range of grounds including disability. The future enactment of this Bill will assist the employment prospects of people with disabilities.

The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities envisages that its report will be published around mid-November. I understand that the report will make important recommendations regarding the employment of people with disabilities in both the public and private sectors.

When I receive this report, I will consider what further measures are required by me and my colleagues in Government to improve the employment situation of people with disabilities.