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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Recruitment.

Ivor Callely

Question:

43 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of people with a disability employed in the Defence Forces; if he will give a breakdown of the percentage employed in the Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department; the proposals he intends to introduce to improve this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7855/01]

The Defence Forces have a derogation from the Employment Equality Act in respect of the criteria of physical ability and age. Therefore, the current age, medical and physical requirements for entry into the Defence Forces reflect the fact that only able bodied and fit recruits can satisfy the difficult and strenuous physical demands of the training and operational environment of the Defence Forces.

The percentage of civil servants employed in the Department with a disability is 5.1%. The comparable percentage for civilian employees employed by the Department with the Defence Forces throughout the country is currently 2.5%. There are three bodies under the aegis of this Department, namely Coiste an Asgard, the Army Pensions Board and the Irish Red Cross Society. There are no persons with a disability employed by Coiste an Asgard. It would not be practical to employ a person with a disability as a member of the professional crew of the sail training vessel, Asgard II.

The Army Pensions Board consists of a chairperson, an ordinary member and a member of the Permanent Defence Force. There are no persons employed by the board. The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous body with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the central council. It adheres to the general public service guidelines on the employment of persons with a disability.
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