Vol. 566 No. 1
145 Mr. Stanton asked the Taoiseach the policy of his 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 his Department and in bodies under the aegis of his Department; the current situation with regard to persons with disabilities employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12143/03]
My Department and the bodies under its aegis are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. We follow the guidelines set out in the code of practice for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service. Recruitment, promotion, training and all other benefits and opportunities are decided on the grounds of ability, qualifications and other relevant objective criteria. Of the 193 core staff currently employed in my Department, six people have disabilities. My Department, therefore, exceeds the 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities. The Department's offices are compatible with the needs of persons with disabilities
