Vol. 573 No. 5
184 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of people with disabilities who are employed by Wicklow County Council; the reason more are not employed; the plans he has to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25917/03]
Figures provided by the council indicate that at 31 December 2002 it employed 24 people with disabilities. This represents 3.99 % of its total workforce and compares favourably with the Government's target of 3% of the workforce.
I am firmly committed to the full participation of people with disabilities in local government sector employment. My Department published a code of practice for the employment of people with disabilities in the local authority service. It has put in place special qualifications to facilitate the recruitment of people with disabilities to the clerical officer and library assistant grades. My Department has consistently encouraged local authorities to ensure that they meet the Government's target and will continue to do so.
