Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

——many of them have. The variable progress is due to a number of factors, including the problems with disclosure of personal information, differences in recording procedures within public bodies and the lack of acceptance by some bodies of their responsibilities in this area. It is clear from recent research that a change in the approach to recording and a broader range of positive action measures are needed. Part 5 will provide such an approach. The Department of Finance monitors compliance. The last official figures for employment in the relevant bodies in 2002 was 2.78%. However, the Department of Finance has been involved in intensive research and consultation with stakeholders to improve the systems for reporting as well as the practical measures that may be taken to support employment of people with disabilities.

I have before me additional statistics which relate to other public bodies outside the Civil Service. These bodies are monitored by a committee chaired by my Department which includes the social partners and people with disabilities. Latest figures available show that at 1 January 2005, the achievement rate is 3.04%.