Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2013
110. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a civil servant can be sacked or sent home if they have a mental illness; and the procedures that are in place to safeguard persons with a mental disability in the Civil Service [33992/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe civil service is strongly committed to the development and implementation of measures to promote and support the employment of individuals with disabilities. All Departments/ Offices must adhere to the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service (http://hr.per.gov.ie/files/2011/09/Code-of-Practice-2007.pdf). The civil service endeavours to meet the requirements of persons with disabilities so as to maximise access to employment and enable these individuals to make the fullest possible contribution to the work of their Department/Office. As an equal opportunities employer, the Civil Service is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to staff with disabilities who require this in order to work.
All Departments and Offices are required to appoint a Disability Liaison Officer to assist and support staff with disabilities and their line managers by the provision of necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions and advice. The Civil Service Employee Assistance Service may also be in a position to provide support to individuals and/or their managers, as appropriate. The civil service procedures on the management of sick leave provide that no employee who appears to require medical attention should remain on duty in the workplace. As is the case with employees generally, civil servants cannot be dismissed without being afforded due process.
