Dan Boyle
Question:105 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance if people with disability make up the guideline 3% of staff in all Departments; and if not, the measures which will be taken to achieve this. [12487/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
The annual survey of the position on the employment of staff with a disability in the Civil Service is being carried out by the Department of Finance. The December 2001 survey showed that 900 people with a disability were employed in the Civil Service, equivalent to 2.8% of total numbers.
The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness committed the Department of Finance to reviewing the operation of the 3% employment target throughout the Civil Service. The Department commissioned Goodbody economic consultants to carry out research into the operation of the target and the career progression of people with a disability in the Civil Service. The report is now available and provides much useful information about the position of people with a disability working in the Civil Service. It makes recommendations for practical steps which can be taken to make certain that the Government's policy operates effectively for the benefit of people with a disability.
The Civil Service equality unit in the Department of Finance and the staff unions are considering the proposals in detail with a view to improving the existing policy for the benefit of people with disability throughout their careers in the Civil Service.