Written Answers. - Equal Opportunity Policy.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:
63
Mr. Howlin
asked the
Minister for Finance
the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that all Government Departments meet the employment target of 3% of people with disabilities; when his Department will meet the target; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24310/99]
As of 1 April 1999 there were 743 people with disabilities employed in the Civil Service, representing 2.7% of the total staff. My Department has 3.5% of staff with disabilities. My officials are currently in the process of gathering the figures for 1 October 1999.
The fact that the number of people with disabilities across the Civil Service generally has dropped below the target of 3% continues to be a cause of concern. The heads of each Depart ment and office have been made fully aware of the importance of reaching and maintaining the 3% quota.
The Civil Service Commission recently announced an open recruitment competition for clerical officers for people who are registered with, or entitled to be registered with, the National Rehabilitation Board as having a disability. A panel of suitably qualified people will be established through this competition. Applicants will be facilitated by the provision of enlarged scripts, Braille and audio test material, interpreters for interviews, and wheelchair access to test and interview locations. As soon as a panel of qualified candidates becomes available for appointment, each head of Department will be encouraged to draw from that panel when recruiting clerical officers.
The figure of 3% relates to the Civil Service as a whole. It is not always possible to ensure that each Department individually fulfils the 3% quota at all times. For example, the regular and ongoing movement of staff between Departments may impact on the quota at any given time. In addition, a number of positions across the Civil Service may not be as suited to those with certain types of disabilities. For practical reasons therefore, in monitoring the number of disabled staff, the aim at present is to achieve an overall quota of 3%.
The Civil Service, as an employer, is committed to policy of equal opportunity which includes ensuring that people with disabilities who are capable of effective performance in the jobs to which they aspire are not disadvantaged by reason of having a disability.
Since 1994 a code of practice for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service has been in place. The code of practice covers issues such as recruitment, reception and integration into the workplace, career development, accommodation, equipment, safety and evacuation procedures. The implementation of the code of practice is monitored by committee representative of staff and management. In addition, in the context of the strategic management initiative in the Civil Service, equality initiatives relating to the employment of people with disabilities are being developed.
