Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
412. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons employed under the disability percentage programme across the public service; the systems in place to monitor the implementation of these targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33657/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to the employment of people with disabilities in accordance with Section 5 of the Disability Act 2005. The National Disability Authority (NDA) has a statutory role in monitoring compliance with the 3% target contained in the Act.
It is my responsibility as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to submit a report to the NDA on the numbers of people with a disability employed in Government Departments and Offices staffed mainly by civil servants. This report is submitted to the NDA by 30 June each year.
Other Ministers have a responsibility to report to the NDA for public sector bodies under their aegis.
Following receipt of the reports, the NDA then prepares a report for the Minister for Justice and Equality, who has responsibility for publishing it.
I am happy to report that the figure for Government Departments and Offices staffed mainly by civil servants for 2016 was well above the 3% target at 4.5%, up from 4.2% for 2015.
The figures for 2017 were recently submitted to the NDA, in accordance with timelines, and will be published in due course by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
