Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 394: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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. [8901/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The number of staff with a disability employed in my Department represents 3% of the total number of 234 staff serving at present. My Department's human resources strategy 2005-07 reiterates the commitment to maintaining the Government target of employing a quota of at least 3% of staff with a disability. A designated officer in my Department has responsibility for equality issues including disability issues. It is part of the duties of this officer to ensure that the needs of staff with a disability are catered for and that the Civil Service code of practice for the employment of people with disabilities is observed.

Recruitment to my Department takes place through the Public Appointments Service. My Department employs candidates with a disability from that office as the opportunity arises. The selection of candidates is based on the qualification criteria as set out by the Public Appointments Service.