Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 240: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by her Department; if the 3 per cent target will be surpassed or is her Department restricted to this percentage; the percentage of people with a disability employed in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24817/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Currently 2.3% of the total staff numbers serving in my Department are recorded as having a disability. The figure is lower than the target of 3% due to a combination of circumstances.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) undertakes the recruitment of staff to posts in my Department following approval from the Department of Finance. As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently undergoing major restructuring and has no suitable posts to be filled at this time.

I understand that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is currently in discussions with the PAS concerning future competitions for persons with disabilities and that there are a number of issues to be taken into consideration. Irrespective of any quotas, my Department is, and always has been, willing to provide placements for persons with disabilities.

My Department is participating 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 (AHEAD), aims to provide graduates with disabilities temporary placements with public and private sector employers.