Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 4

Written Answers. - People with Disabilities.

Ulick Burke

Question:

80 Mr. U. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she proposes to take to facilitate the reaching of the 3% target of public sector staff with disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6995/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney):

The Department currently exceeds the 3% employment target for people with disabilities, with 3.95% employed.

The majority of the agencies under my Department have reached the 3% target. All the agencies are fully aware of their obligations and I have asked those who have not yet reached the target to do so as quickly as possible.

A co-ordinated strategy has been put in place among the agencies concerned, including the preparation and active promotion of codes of practice on the employment of people with disabilities and the maintenance of proper records regarding the employment of people with disabilities, subject to confidentiality and privacy requirements.

My Department participates on the monitoring committee for the implementation of the 3% target within the public sector, which is chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.