As the Deputy is aware, the Employment Equality Acts prohibit discrimination, including in relation to disability, and require organisations to make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities in employment. I have launched a review of the equality legislation, which will be completed next year. The review will consider whether or not the equality legislation is effectively promoting equality and combating discrimination, including in relation to access for people with disabilities to employment. It will also consider whether or not legislative change is needed in this regard.
In terms of public sector recruitment, in particular, Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out the legal obligations of public service bodies:-
- To promote and support the employment of people with disabilities
- To meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities
- To report every year on achievement of these obligations
The Government has committed to doubling the target for employment of people with disabilities in the public service from 3% to 6%. This will be done by means of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill, drafting of which will shortly begin.
