Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons with disabilities employed in his Department; the percentage of the total staff this represents; the human resources policy of his Department with regard to the recruitment of persons with disabilities; the qualification criteria for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8894/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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At year end 2005, 19 staff were recorded as having a disability, equal to 2.85% of staff. The Department of Finance, in common with all other Departments and Civil Service offices, fully implements the Government's policy on the employment of people with a disability.

As part of a review of policy on the employment of people with a disability in the Civil Service, my Department commissioned independent research in regard to the operation of the 3% employment target. A survey carried out as part of this research which was published as Employment and Career Progression of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service, IPA 2002, shows 7% of Civil Service staff have a disability compared with the 2% to 3% generally reported in the annual surveys. The consultants, therefore, concluded that the arrangements for reporting disabilities must be addressed.

In the light of the consultants' recommendations, the Government approved proposals from the Minister for Finance to improve the operation of the existing policy. These included the development, in conjunction with the staff unions, of a new code of practice for all Departments to support staff with a disability. A proposal was also made for ensuring the Civil Service continues to provide employment opportunities which might not otherwise be available for people with a disability.

The possible use of a survey based on voluntary self-disclosure both for new staff on appointment and for existing staff will be considered in discussions with the staff unions as part of the development of the code of practice. As this gives rise to complex issues about confidentiality and the use of information, specific guidelines on these matters are being examined as part of the new code of practice for the Civil Service.

The same qualification criteria apply to all staff being recruited to the Civil Service. In competitions, candidates are assessed on the basis of common standards of education and experience. However, some special arrangements are made from time to time to ensure people with a disability competing for Civil Service posts are accommodated and that allowance is made for their disability.