Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2016
73. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position on the implementation of Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 in relation to a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28867/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 provides for a public sector employment quota of 3%. The Act also allows each Minister to expand the range of positive actions which public bodies can take for the employment of people with disabilities, and gives the National Disability Authority a special role in monitoring compliance and ensuring implementation. However the Act does not prescribe how the quota is to be achieved, and this is therefore a matter for each employer.
I have no responsibility for recruitment by the civil and public service generally, or by any particular organisation. In this regard, I would suggest that the Deputy contact the Public Appointments Service, who may be able to offer advice.
It may be of interest to know that my Department co-ordinates the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities. This is a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and State agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment of people with disabilities. Over the lifetime of the Strategy the public service employment target of people with disabilities will be increased on a phased basis from 3% to 6%. Furthermore, special public service competitions for people with disabilities will be arranged, as will the opening up of alternative recruitment channels for people with disabilities. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has a key role in relation to this, as does the Public Appointments Service, and work is underway.
