Tony Gregory
Question:171 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, he is taking to fulfil the commitment to achieve a 3% employment quota for persons with disabilities. [2245/00]
Written Answers. - Employment of People with Disabilities.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:180 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of people with disabilities employed in Departments; if Departments are fulfilling the recommended 3% employment quota of people with disabilities; if not, the reason the quota is not being adhered to; the proposals, if any, necessary to meet the 3% quota requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2427/00]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:184 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, in place to ensure that all Departments comply with the commitment to the 3% employment quota for disabled persons. [2504/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171, 180 and 184 together.
As of 1 October 1999 there were 754 people with disabilities employed in the Civil Service, representing 2.7% of the total staff. That the number of people with disabilities across the Civil Service generally has dropped below the target of 3% continues to be a cause of concern. The heads of each Department and office have been made fully aware of the importance of reaching and maintaining the 3% quota.
The Civil Service Commission is in the process of holding an open recruitment competition for clerical officers for people who are registered with, or entitled to be registered with, the National Rehabilitation Board as having a disability. A panel of suitably qualified people will be established through this competition. Applicants are being facilitated by the provision of enlarged scripts, braille and audio test material, interpreters for interviews, and wheelchair access to test and interview locations. Testing for this competition has now been completed and notifications for interviews will be issued within the next two to three weeks. As soon as a panel of qualified candidates becomes available for appointment, each head of Department will be encouraged to draw from that panel when recruiting clerical officers.
The figure of 3% relates to the Civil Service as a whole. It is not always possible to ensure that each Department individually fulfils the 3% quota at all times. For example, the regular and ongoing movement of staff between Departments may impact on the quota at any given time. In addition, a number of positions across the Civil Service may not be as suited to those with certain types of disabilities. For practical reasons therefore, in monitoring the number of disabled staff, the aim at present is to achieve an overall quota of 3%.
The Civil Service, as an employer, is committed to a policy of equal opportunity which includes ensuring that people with disabilities who are capable of effective performance in the jobs to which they aspire are not disadvantaged by reason of having a disability.
Since 1994 a code of practice for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service has been in place. The code of practice covers issues such as recruitment, reception and integration into the workplace, career development, accommodation, equipment, safety and evacuation procedures. The implementation of the code of practice is monitored by a committee representative of staff and management. In addition, in the context of the strategic management initiative in the Civil Service, equality initiatives relating to the employment of people with disabilities are being developed.