Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
232 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources 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. [13246/04]
View answerMy Department is committed to maintaining and enhancing the employment, retention and career progression of staff with disabilities. Departmental staff are recruited through the Office of the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners. People with disabilities are entitled to apply for any post advertised by the Office of Civil Service and Local Appointments Commissioners for which they hold the basic entry requirements and to have their applications considered on the basis of their abilities, qualifications and suitability for the work in question. Special panels are established from time to time arising out of competitions from which candidates who are registered or are entitled to be registered with the National Rehabilitation Board are assigned to Departments.
It is the strict policy of the commissioners that no unnecessary obstacle is placed in the way of people with disabilities applying for positions. At present the commissioners make all reasonable efforts to provide such special facilities and equipment as are necessary to enable people with disabilities to take part in their recruitment processes. These include Braille test material and enlarged scripts for visually impaired candidates; interpreters made available for deaf candidates attending for tests or interviews; audio-taped test material coupled with HAL screen reader, where feasible; extra large desks where required; wheelchair access and toilet facilities in test and interview locations and one-to-one testing where considered necessary.
