Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
167 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which persons with disabilities can access employment in his Department; if there are special application procedures; the criteria by which it is decided that persons qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13244/04]
View answerIn its human resources strategy 2002-2004, the Department of Foreign Affairs committed itself to full participation in the Government's programme of positive action aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Department has met the recommended target of 3% for the employment of persons with disabilities and will continue to do so. Most vacancies arising in the Department of Foreign Affairs are filled from competition panels established by the Office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners, the central recruiting body for the whole of the Civil Service. Persons with disabilities are assigned to this Department by the Office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners as part of the aforementioned Government programme of positive action.
The Department also occasionally recruits services officers and cleaners through FÁS. In doing so, it invites applications from persons with disabilities and has been successful in recruiting a number of officers with disabilities in this way. The Department's disability liaison officer provides support to staff with disabilities and ensures that any specific needs they may have are being met.
