Written Answers Nos. 7-26
7. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a household that does have an electricity account but has a sub-meter from the landlord's account should be entitled to the full grant towards their electricity bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32843/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April, May and June, and includes prepay meters.The payment is being applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act.
As of 27 May 2022, 2,129,832 domestic electricity customers have been credited, with 1,845,142 of these customers having been notified via a line item on their bill or prepayment vend receipt. This means 99% of all eligible customers have now had the credit applied to their account.
The majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly. In other cases there may be tenancy agreements in place where tenants pay their actual share of each bill, and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the credit. A small proportion may have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost. In cases where the households are in rental accommodation, where tenants have disputes relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution.The Deputy may also wish to note that Frequently Asked Questions on the electricity credit, which include the matter raised here, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
8. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason there is a requirement of seven years’ experience to be included in the register of energy auditors under the energy audit scheme, set down by SEAI given that all other European Union member states require three years’ experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32904/22]
View answerThe criteria and management of the register of auditors are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to the evaluation process for energy auditors.The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
9. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of data centres connected to the national grid; the number of new data centre applications presently approved for connection by Commission for Regulation of Utilities; if the Minister will seek clarification from the CRU on whether new rules on connecting data centres apply only to new data centre applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33219/22]
View answerThe management of connections to the electricity grid is a matter for the system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent statutory body and solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions. The matters raised in the Question relate both to the statutory function of CRU and the statutory role of EirGrid and is not a matter in which I have any role or function.Furthermore, I understand that the CRU has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at parliamentaryquestions@cru.ie.
10. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if there are grants available for the purchasing of electric cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32836/22]
View answerElectric vehicles (EVs) are the most prominent transport mitigation measure in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, and Ireland has set an ambitious target of 945,000 EVs on our roads by 2030. This target is challenging but indicates the scale of the transformation that is needed across all sectors if Ireland is to achieve its climate targets in the coming years.
A comprehensive suite of measures is available to EV drivers, including purchase grants for private car owners and taxi drivers, VRT relief, reduced tolls, home charger grants, favourable motor and BIK tax rates, as well as a comprehensive charging network.
These measures have collectively contributed to increased take up of EVs in Ireland in recent years, albeit from a low base, to over 58,000 at the end of April.
In addition, the Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is available online.
In line with the Group’s recommendations to support the transition to EVs:
- The generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland has been retained until at least end-2022. Work is ongoing to identify additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil-fuelled vehicles. Overall, cost-effective, targeted policy supports will continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years
- Work is under way to establish Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), as a matter of priority, to co-ordinate the implementation of existing and future EV measures and infrastructure.
Overall, the Department is acutely aware that the cost of electric vehicles remains an issue for many consumers. To this end, electric vehicle policy - including grants - is kept under continuous review with the objective of making low-emission vehicles affordable.
11. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will address concerns raised in relation to the frequency of trains (details supplied). [32857/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issues raised by the Deputy in relation to the timetabling, investment, and operation of services on the Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow routes from Cork are a matter for the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann respectively and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to both companies for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
12. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the reason that a bus route (details supplied) was changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32868/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which operates under the TFI Local Link brand
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for both TFI Local Link and Bus Éireann services, including in County Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
13. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of NCT appointments for residents of north county Dublin, with some reporting that no appointments are available until November 2022; if his Department has plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33023/22]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
However, I am very aware of the serious challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet demand and the frustrating delays which vehicle owners have encountered since the start of this year.
I am given to understand that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly by calling 01-4135992 or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website www.ncts.ie.
This is a serious matter and I and my department will continue to monitor the RSA's progress to reduce test delays closely as part of ongoing corporate governance processes.
14. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the 20/X20 Bus Éireann service will be reinstated; if not, if a similar service connecting the eastern part of County Galway will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33039/22]
View answerCovid-19 has had a profound impact on the public transport sector with significant falls in passenger numbers and associated drops in fare revenues; in this context, the Bus Éireann Board, following extensive analysis and work, took the commercial decision to consolidate its Expressway network in September 2020. This decision impacted four routes including the 20/X20 Dublin/Galway service which ceased operations on 28/07/2021.
In circumstances where a commercial operator cease operating a specific route, the National Transport Authority (NTA) undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services.
Due to the decision by Bus Éireann to cease operating the X20 route, the NTA completed a detailed assessment of the X20 corridor and have determined that despite Expressway’s withdrawal, sufficient connectivity is provided by the remaining operators and the public service obligation is adequately met by other rail and bus services, thereby negating the need for any further intervention on the route.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
15. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if the bus network in Galway city will be expanded to service the upper Ballymoneen Road or the Letteragh Road, given the development in those two areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33040/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question regarding the possible expansion of the bus network in Galway city to service the upper Ballymoneen Road or the Letteragh Road, given the development in those two areas, to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
16. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason that private bus operators contracted to Bus Éireann that do not receive a diesel rebate or VAT back; if bus operators will be included and receive a diesel rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33064/22]
View answerI understand the Deputy is referring to the School Transport Scheme which is a matter for the Minister for Education.
However I am advised by her officials that School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021. In the region of 5,800 vehicles are operated by private contractors under contract to Bus Éireann for the provision of school transport scheme services.
With regard to the increasing price of fuel in recent months, the Department of Education has been liaising with other relevant departments and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. The Minister for Education is pleased to confirm that a contribution at a total cost of €5.3 million will be provided to address the impact of the increased cost of fuel for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2022 for contractors operating on the Department’s school transport scheme.
17. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide the necessary funding to the National Transport Authority to enable the 33B bus to service the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin on all bus journeys to and from Swords given that this would provide a connection to the railway station and encouraged the use of public transport which is Government policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33068/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. Since 2010, the award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the provision of funding to enable the 33B bus to service the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin on all bus journeys to and from Swords, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
18. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the steps that he is taking to ensure that all public buses or buses operating public service contracts have the capacity to carry bikes. [33180/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the national bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
19. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport when the active travel scheme will open for applications from local authorities in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33196/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to an investment of €360 million per annum in walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government. I consider this investment to be hugely beneficial to our society, our health and our environment, and in particular will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions as per the Government's Climate Action Plan. It will support projects across the country, in both urban and rural Ireland, as this Government seeks to change the nature of transport in this country.
I announced funding of €289m through the National Transport Authority (NTA) earlier this year for approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects, and this is expected to be the full allocation for the year.
Projects allocated funding under the Active Travel Investment Grants were identified by the local authorities in cooperation with the NTA and a full list is available here I look forward to seeing the planned projects progress and to developing high-quality walking and cycling networks around the country through the increased annual funding over the lifetime of the Government.
20. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to view separated and divorced persons as first-time buyers for the help to buy scheme even if they have previously owned a home as is the case for the local authority schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32883/22]
View answerHelp to Buy (HTB) is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive offers a refund on Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid in the State over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in Section 477C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (S447C TCA).
Applicants for HTB must be first-time purchasers, a term defined in S447C TCA as follows:
"'first-time purchaser' means an individual who, at the time of a claim under subsection (3) has not, either individually or jointly with any other person, previously purchased or previously built, directly or indirectly, on his or her own behalf a dwelling;"
The intention behind this policy is to target the HTB scheme to help those who have not had the opportunity to build up equity in another property which could be used to purchase a second or subsequent property.
Although it should be noted that the Central Bank of Ireland is independent in the formulation of its policies, the definition of first-time purchaser under HTB complements that in the Central Bank's macro-prudential rules. This includes circumstances where there is more than one person involved in the purchase or building of a new home. Under the Central Bank’s rules, where the borrower of a housing loan is more than one person and one or more of those persons has availed of a housing loan previously then none of those persons is considered a first-time buyer.
As such, I do not intend to amend the definition of first-time purchaser for the purposes of the HTB scheme to specifically include separated and divorced persons who have previously owned a home. Also of relevance is that a formal review of the HTB scheme is currently underway and is expected to be completed shortly. The intention is that the exercise will help inform decisions for Budget 2023 and Finance Bill 2022, having regard to the sound management of the public finances. While decisions in relation to HTB in 2023 have yet to be taken, I do not expect my position in relation to the definition of first-time purchaser to alter.
21. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered a VAT reduction in retrofitting projects. [33141/22]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they fall within Annex III of the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply either one or two reduced rates of VAT. Ireland currently operates two reduced rates of VAT, 13.5% and 9%, as permitted by the Directive.
Building materials are not included in the categories of goods and services on which the EU Directive allows a lower rate of VAT or an exemption to be applied, and so they are liable to VAT at the standard rate. By way of special derogation from the general rule though, Ireland is permitted to continue its long-standing practice of applying a reduced rate, currently 13.5%, to the supply of ready-to-pour concrete and certain concrete blocks but there are strict restrictions on this derogation, including that the rate cannot be reduced below 12%.
Under the EU VAT Directive the supply of construction services is liable to VAT at the standard rate generally across the EU but Ireland applies a 13.5% reduced rate of VAT to all construction services under a derogation from the EU VAT Directive, again subject to strict restrictions.
Construction services that consist of the “renovation and repairing of private dwellings, excluding material which account for a significant part of the value of the service supplied” can benefit from the reduced rate of VAT, currently 13.5%. This means that where a building contractor carries out home improvements and the material cost does not exceed two-thirds of the costs of the improvements then the reduced rate of 13.5% applies to the total construction service. A consequences of this is that a VAT registered building contractor will generally be entitled to recover VAT at the standard rate on most building materials purchased while the contractor is only liable to change VAT at the 13.5% reduced rate on the total supply (including the materials and labour elements of the job) to the homeowner. The difference in rates between the 23% input VAT and the 13.5% output VAT should normally be reflected in the VAT inclusive costs to the homeowner.
22. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance if he will share the Department’s fiscal contingency plan in the event multinational companies leave the Irish market on foot of the implementation of the global and or European minimum tax rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33171/22]
View answerIreland is very supportive of the two-pillar solution for the taxation of the digital economy reached globally at the OECD, an agreement to which we signed up to along with over 130 other countries in October 2021.
My long-standing position is that the international tax system needs to adapt to keep pace with changes in how business is conducted internationally. This is a global issue which requires global action to solve in a coordinated way. The OECD agreement will ultimately bring long-term stability and certainty to the international tax framework based on a shared understanding of where value is created in digital business models.
Ireland has been very active in recent years in implementing international tax reforms. I published Ireland’s Corporation Tax Roadmap (2018 and 2021 update) to set out our commitments made and the significant, concrete actions we have taken in response. My Department facilitates extensive engagement with stakeholders in advance of new legislative measures being introduced and this collaborative, transparent process provides certainty to businesses situated here and those considering investing.
Of course, Ireland is still a small open economy and certain risks exist in relation to corporation tax. In relation to concentration risk, the latest data show that around €1 in every €8 of overall tax revenues collected arises from just 10 large corporate tax payers. This concentration means total tax receipts are vulnerable to the business decisions of a handful of large companies, albeit that many of those have had a significant presence in Ireland for decades. While the strong growth in corporation tax over the last several years is, in many respects, welcome and a reflection of the success of our industrial policy in attracting high quality multinational firms and high wage jobs to Ireland, we must be careful not to craft long-term budgetary policies on the basis of these volatile and unpredictable corporate tax receipts. As a result, the Government has frequently cautioned against building permanent expenditure commitments on the basis of corporation tax receipts.
Proposed changes to the international tax regime from the OECD agreement also represent a risk to the CT revenue stream. My Department’s central estimate at present is that c.€2 billion could be lost in corporate tax by 2025 relative to baseline. I would stress that there is significant uncertainty attached to this technical assumption; the final figure could be considerably different. However it is my view that the benefits of current OECD and EU tax reforms outweigh the negatives. The reforms achieve a fine balance that will provide the certainty and stability required by businesses here for future economic growth and employment creation.
The government has taken actions to address the risks associated with the concentration and volatility of CT receipts, including prioritising the reduction of debt and continuing to broaden the tax base. Finally, last year I established the Commission on Taxation and Welfare to analyse the structure of our public finances and to propose reforms to ensure the long-term sustainability of our tax and welfare systems. The Commission is due to report next month on how to best address vulnerabilities in the tax base to ensure that we are in a position of strength to address any future economic shocks that may occur.
23. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps that are being taken to ensure that medical professionals who are suffering with severe post Covid-19 infection symptoms and who are unable to return to the workplace yet continue to receive the special leave with pay beyond the end of June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33664/22]
View answerReflecting the obligations to self-isolate laid down in public health advice and to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of the virus in the workplace, special leave with pay for COVID-19 arrangements were introduced by my Department in March 2020. This was a temporary measure in response to the unprecedented circumstances presented by the COVID pandemic. Special Leave with Pay has been used in lieu of sick leave across the Public Service to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises.
From the outset of the pandemic my officials have been clear, via the “Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19” document, that Special Leave with Pay is a temporary measure which is kept under regular review. Changes have been made to the arrangements over the course of the last two years in line with changes to public health, Government guidance and the general return to the workplace.
It is important to note that Special Leave with Pay is not ending. From 1 July 2022, Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 will continue to be available for the stated self-isolation period, which is currently 7 days. This is in keeping with the rationale of assisting in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises.
I would also point out that the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations were introduced in 2014. It was a significant reform development that standardised and simplified paid sick leave arrangements across all sectors of the Public Service. All illnesses are treated equally under the Public Service Sick Leave Regulations and equity is a fundamental part of the Scheme.
The Public Service Sick Leave scheme provides for the payment of the following to staff during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
- A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one year period
- Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one year period
- Subject to a maximum of 183 days paid sick leave in a rolling four year period
There is the potential for access to additional sick leave in certain circumstances as guided by the Critical Illness Protocol.
I understand that the Department of Health are working on a proposal to deal with certain "long COVID" cases in the health sector and my officials will examine any proposals as soon as they are finalised.
24. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if feedback will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32838/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the independent, statutory body that provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil service. It establishes panels from recruitment competitions, with candidates ranked in order of merit, that are available to civil service employers to access as and when vacancies may arise while the panel is in place.
All recruitment is demand led and placement on a PAS recruitment panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a civil service position.
I would advise that the candidate contact PAS directly for an update on his position on the relevant panel established from this recruitment competition.
25. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW intends to provide comments back to Dublin City Council on the preliminary contract documents that have been furnished to it in respect of phase 2 of the flood relief works which goes from north of Sandymount Strand to Sean Moore Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32864/22]
View answerWith regard to the flood relief works, from the north of Sandymount Strand to Sean Moore Park, a draft Service Requirements document for Sandymount Coastal Flood Defence Scheme Phase 2 was forwarded by Dublin City Council (DCC) to the Office of Public Works (OPW) on 7 June 2022.
OPW was requested to review the document in respect of the technical elements contained therein and to provide comment and recommendations back to DCC. All other documents, connected with the Service Requirements for Sandymount Coastal Flood Defence Scheme Phase 2, were being reviewed by DCC themselves.
The OPW review is currently ongoing and it is intended that a meeting be held with DCC, following the conclusion of this review, to discuss and agree the next steps.
26. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has plans to amend the guidance that comes from his Department in relation to PeoplePoint (NSSO) for those working in State agencies and have medical disabilities whose absences due to medical appointments are reported as sick leave, which may impact on their career progression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32995/22]
View answerIf a civil servant is absent due to attending a doctor/dental/hospital appointment for either a full day or a half-day (a.m. or p.m.) the absence in question is recorded as sick absence.
However, if the staff member has attended for work prior to/after the appointment they can claim time for a sick absence on the following basis:
Morning Appointment
- If staff attending a health appointment in the morning do not have any clocking during the morning (up to 12.30pm) – this must be claimed as a half day’s sick leave.
- However, core time credit up to 12.30pm will be given provided a reasonable (i.e. approx 1 hour) period of morning attendance has been recorded prior to or after the absence in question. An officer must also be clocked in by 1.30 pm in order to reclaim the credit.
Afternoon Appointment
- If staff attending a health appointment in the afternoon do not have any clocking during the afternoon (up to 5.00pm) – this also must be claimed as a half day’s sick leave.
- However, core time credit until 4.00 p.m. will be given provided a reasonable (i.e. approx. 1 hour) period of afternoon attendance has been recorded prior to or after the absence in question. An officer must also be clocked in until at least 1.15 pm in order to reclaim the credit.
All Day Appointment
- If staff do not attend work at all during the day of a health appointment then this must be classed as one full day sick leave and the manager must report it to PeoplePoint.
When assessing an individual's attendance records for the purposes of Promotion, Higher Duties Allowances, Probation, Increments, and Mobility, in order to avoid potential unfairness to an individual, it has been the practice to make allowances for certain circumstances when assessing eligibility. This has been achieved by “discounting” absence under various circumstances.
The process of discounting is particularly important in circumstances where absence from work may have arisen on account of an individual having a disability. It may be necessary to discount sick leave to take account of a particular disability in such circumstances and failure to do so may be contrary to the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015.
Where an individual attributes poor attendance to a medical condition, consideration must be given as to whether that individual may have a disability as defined under Employment Equality legislation. HR Managers must consider their obligations under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015 and ensure a level playing field is created (insofar as that is achievable) between individuals with and without a disability.
There are no plans currently to amend this guidance.
