Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 9, inclusive, together.

My Department and the bodies under its aegis are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. Staff are recruited on the basis that they meet the requirement of the positions they will fill. In addition to complying with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, we follow the guidelines set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments in its code of practice for the appointment of persons with disabilities to positions in the Civil Service. Recruitment to my Department is undertaken by the commission and through positive action programmes such as the Willing, Able and Mentoring programme under the aegis of the Department of Finance. The Minister for Finance has responsibility for policy in regard to the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service.

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