Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

163 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the policy of her Department with regard to the employment of persons with disabilities; the actions that have been taken to encourage, enable and assist people with disabilities to gain employment in her Department and in bodies under the aegis of her Department; the current situation with regard to persons with disabilities employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12144/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey)

My Department's policies in relation to the provision of vocational training and employment services focus on mainstreaming services to people with disabilities and are being pursued through a three dimensional approach involving facilitating the progression of people with disabilities into sustainable employment through the development of their skills; stimulating awareness among employers of the contribution which people with disabilities can make to their businesses, and encouraging companies to more actively consider recruiting people with disabilities to fill their vacancies; and providing specific employment supports for people with disabilities and employers.

FÁS assists people with disabilities and employers through direct services or grant assistance, including the employment support scheme, the workplace equipment-adaptation grant, the job interview interpreter grant, the personal reader grant, the disability awareness training support scheme and the employee retention grant scheme. Additionally, FÁS has responsibility for the operation of the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities and the supported employment programme, which seek to maximise employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

In line with a commitment under Sustaining Progress, the Department's objective over the next period will be to consolidate the significant value added in advancing the employment and training agenda since assuming policy responsibility for this area in June 2000. Changes to programmes aimed at supporting the employment and training of persons with a disability will reflect an increasing labour market focus.

All Departments are required to meet a 3% minimum target for the employment of people with disabilities. My Department currently exceeds the minimum requirement, with 4.05% currently employed. All the agencies under the aegis of my Department are fully aware of their obligations and the majority have reached the 3% target. 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 also 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.