Vol. 457 No. 4
103 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that less than 1.5 per cent of employees in the health service live with a disability in the context of the Government's stated commitment to a 3 per cent quota of people with disabilities employed in the public service; and the proposals, if any, he has for ensuring that the quota is implemented across the board. [11879/95]
Limerick East): The management of health services including the employment of staff are matters, in the first instance, for each health agency. However, I am fully committed to ensuring that the 3 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities in the health service is achieved.
As part of health service personnel policy, each health agency has been asked to have due regard to the Government's commitment to the disabled when recruiting staff. In cases where the quota has not been achieved agencies have been urged to make every effort to secure an appropriate increase in the numbers of disabled persons employed, consistent with operational and overall employment control requirements.
I consider that further progress towards securing an increase in the number of persons with disability employed may be best addressed in the context of an effective equal opportunities policy. Health agencies have been involved in reviewing their employment practices with this in mind. It is the intention that my Department, in consultation with representatives of management in the various agencies, will consider the overall position to determine what further action may be required to complement measures already adopted by employers.
