Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons with disabilities employed in his Department; the percentage of the total staff that 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. [8898/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Currently, 44 people are employed in my Department who are recorded as having a disability, representing 4.5% of the total staff number. My Department therefore exceeds the 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities required of all Departments.

The Public Appointments Service, following approval from the Department of Finance, undertakes the recruitment of staff to all Department posts, including my Department. Provided the qualifying criteria for each particular competition are satisfied, persons with disabilities are eligible to compete in all such competitions. Every effort is made to ensure that the particular needs of staff with disabilities are met throughout the selection process. Furthermore, my Department is to participate in the willing able mentoring, WAM, project during this summer. The WAM project, which is administered by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability, aims to provide temporary placements with public and private sector employers to graduates with disabilities.