Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
153. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the arrangements Irish Aid has in place for volunteers with a disability; the protocols Irish Aid follow when conducting public competitions for volunteers; the provisions for the public sector equality and human rights duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5632/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade facilitates participation in a range of volunteering opportunities overseas. Typically these involve placement with third party organisations. Depending on the role and local context, volunteers may need to be able to operate in challenging circumstances.
Where prospective volunteers with a disability request that a reasonable accommodation, arrangement be made, including to enable equal participation in a selection process, my Department will endeavour to do so in liaison with the individual concerned and in keeping with the advice and guidance in this area developed by the National Disability Authority, and with due regard to the Public Sector Duty.
My Department also engages with third party organisations with whom volunteers could be placed such that prospective volunteers with a disability could be made aware of positions - if available - matched to their skills and abilities and to local circumstances.
