Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
151 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance if the required quota of employment places for persons with disabilities in Departments has been achieved; if not, the numbers remaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/04]
View answerThe Government has a 3% target for the employment of people with a disability in the Civil Service. 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, which is the equivalent to 2.8% of total numbers. This compares with 891 people, 2.78%, in 2001 and 758 people, 2.56%, in 2000. Figures for the end of December 2003 are being compiled.
In view of these figures, it is important to support and assist Departments in implementing the Government's policy. The policy makes a real contribution to the welfare of people with a disability by creating employment opportunities which might not otherwise be available. Every effort is made to ensure that an equal opportunity is given to all candidates applying for competitions for recruitment to the Civil Service. All candidates are requested to identify any special requirements they may have to sit the relevant examination.
My Department commissioned independent research into the operation of the 3% target and the career progression of people with a disability in the Civil Service. The report provides useful information about the position of people with a disability working in the Civil Service and 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. In the light of the consultants' recommendations, proposals to improve the operation of the policy have been approved by the Government. Discussions will start in the near future between the equality unit in my Department and the Civil Service staff unions on the recommendations. The aim is to agree a new joint approach to the implementation of the target, to improve the existing policy for the benefit of people with disability throughout their careers in the Civil Service, to ensure that the importance of the policy is emphasised, and that Departments will be assisted in implementing the policy.
