Disability Act Employment Targets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Questions (1612)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1612. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in his Department and in each State and semi-State body under the aegis of his Department; if there is a responsibility to employ persons with disabilities to a quota of 3% of its workforce; if this quota has now been exceeded; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to this quota; if not, the reason therefor; the dates and details of such competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27130/17]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 provides for a statutory report on the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector.  The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform must submit a  report to the National Disability Authority (NDA) giving details of the number of people with a disability employed in the Civil Service.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is complying with the Government target of 3% for the employment of people with a disability in that 4.3 % of its staff have declared a disability.  My Department is committed to providing the supports necessary to enable staff with disabilities to participate fully in the workplace. 

The Department has not advertised a competition specific to this quota.  However my Department is committed to ensure that all internal competitions are in compliance with the Disability Act 2015. 

Information in respect of the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the State Bodies themselves.