Mr. Padraic Jones:

On the selection process, there are currently regulations in place for the employment of garda trainees. That is covered by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Employment) Regulations 2013. The regulations state that applicants must be, "certified by a ... medical practitioner nominated by the Commissioner to be in good health, of sound constitution and suited physically and mentally to performing the duties of a [Garda] member". However, I am aware there is a reasonable accommodations board chaired by our chief medical officer, who will try to understand the issues relating to a potential trainee to determine, with a board pulled from senior levels across An Garda Síochána, whether that individual would make a suitable garda trainee, and that the disabilities can be managed through reasonable accommodations. Following on from that, from time to time sworn members become disabled for whatever reason, whether an accident at work or some misfortune at home. There are certainly reasonable accommodations put in place for those colleagues who, unfortunately, become disabled. Most recently, I am thinking of an area in the west of the country where a member suffered life-changing injuries. Amendments and changes were put in place in the physical environment in the Garda station to allow that member to continue his or her career. As I may have said earlier, 6% of our Garda staff cohort identifies as having a disability. We have made significant strides there to ensure people with disabilities are welcomed into the Garda organisation.