Vol. 566 No. 1
142 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy of his Department with regard to the employment of persons with disabilities; the actions, if any, that have been taken to encourage, enable and assist people with disabilities to gain employment in his Department and in bodies under the aegis of his Department; the situation with regard to persons with disabilities employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/03]
507 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy of his Department with regard to the employment of persons with disabilities; the actions that have been taken to encourage, enable and assist people with disabilities to gain employment in his Department and in bodies under the aegis of his Department; the current situation with regard to persons with disabilities employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12152/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 507 together.
The Department has always accepted any officer with a disability who has been assigned to it by the Civil Service and Local Appointments Commission. If an officer requires special computer, telephone equipment or office accommodation because of his or her disability, this is acquired before the officer takes up duty. In September 2000 the Health Service Employers Agency launched guidelines on the development of a code of practice for the employment of people with disabilities in the health services. These guidelines have been drawn up to support health service employers in promoting the employment of people with disabilities.
