Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
787. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way that her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24313/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who fosters awareness of equality and disability issues among staff and provides support, advice and guidance to staff and managers in ensuring staff with a disability have equal opportunities throughout their career in my Department. The Disability Liaison Officer also facilitates reasonable accommodations as appropriate for employees with disabilities.
As provided for in the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service (the Code), requests for reasonable accommodations are applied for on a workplace accommodations form (Appendix D of the Code). Part two of these forms should be completed by a medical specialist.
In consultation with local management, where appropriate, all requests are considered in the context of supporting the person concerned, but also in the context of what is reasonable and, in accordance with the legislation, will not place a disproportionate burden on my Department.
Examples of reasonable accommodations regularly provided by my Department include specialised chairs and other office furniture, assistive technology required by visually impaired, deaf or dyslexic employees and local arrangements agreed with line managers of staff with disabilities such as reduced working hours.
There are four agencies under my Department’s remit: the Western Development Commission;Pobal; Water Safety Ireland; and the Charities Regulator. In respect of these bodies, information relating to this matter is for the bodies concerned. They are independent legal entities responsible for managing their own corporate affairs and staff matters in compliance with statutory obligations and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
