Joe Costello
Question:31 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date towards meeting the 3% target of people with disabilities employed in Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23381/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
The Government's 3% employment target makes a key contribution to the welfare of people with a disability by creating a significant number of job opportunities which might not otherwise exist.
The annual survey undertaken by my Department of the position on the employment of staff with a disability in the Civil Service shows that 931 people with a disability were employed at the end of December 2002, equivalent to 2.8% of total numbers. The equivalent figures for 2001 and 2000 are 891, 2.78% of the total, and 758, 2.56% of the total.
It is clearly important given these recent figures to support and assist Departments in implementing the Government's policy. My Department commissioned independent research into the operation of the 3% target and the career progression of people with a disability in the Ciivl Service. The consultants' report is now available.
I am considering its recommendations with a view to developing practical and effective measures to improve the operation of the policy. The aim is not to change the focus of the Government's policy, but to ensure that the target is implemented fully and effectively.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 21.