The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and all agencies under the Department's remit are subject to specific legal obligations set out in the Disability Act 2005. Part 5 of the Act sets out a requirement for public service bodies to meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities.
The National Disability Authority (NDA) reports on compliance with this 3% target and currently my Department exceeds the target with 3.8% of employees with disabilities.
The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES) was launched by the Government on 2 October 2015. The Government has already taken a number of key decisions as recommended in the Strategy including:
- the public service employment target for people with disabilities will be increased on a phased basis as set out in the Strategy from 3% to 6%.
- special public service competitions for people with disabilities will be arranged and alternative recruitment channels will be opened up for people with disabilities.
These and other recommendations of the Strategy are being considered by a cross-party group chaired by Mr Fergus Finlay.
In regard to the number of staff with disabilities employed by agencies under the aegis of this Department this is a matter for the Agencies themselves. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
