John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; his views on whether that figure is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13272/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The policy in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance and a target of 3% has been set for such recruitment. Current data show that 5.4% of staff in my Department has a disability. As part of my Department's achieving potential through equality and diversity action plan 2004-2006 our goal is to maintain and enhance existing compliance with the Government's employment target of 3% for staff with disability, including temporary recruitment.

My Department is supporting the willing able mentoring or WAM project — placements for graduates with disabilities — this summer. The project aims to give between three and six months' quality work experience to graduates with disabilities. My Department has previously employed a person with disabilities under a scheme to cover term time.