Written answers

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Department of Education and Science

Equal Opportunities Employment

11:00 pm

Photo of Ivor CallelyIvor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 563: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the targeted percentage of employment of people with a disability by her Department; if the 3 per cent target 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. [24828/06]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the Social Partnership agreements, the Government has set a 3% employment target for people with disabilities in the civil and public service. This is not a restrictive target. Following the cessation of special competitions for the recruitment of persons with disabilities, due to the Equal Status Act 2000, it is very difficult for Departments to positively discriminate in favour of persons with disabilities. Consultants have been engaged centrally within the Public Service to review the current position and make recommendations to improve the situation.

The most recent data available on officers in my Department who have a disability indicate that there are 35 such officers, which equates to 2.76% of staff. The guidelines followed for the collection of this information are set out in the Code of Practice for the Civil Service 1994. The Human Resource Strategy for my Department, which was developed through Partnership and published in 2005, states that the Department will consider the recommendations in the forthcoming consultants' report, with a view to improving the proportion of staff employed with a disability. It is also stated in the HR Strategy that the Department is committed to facilitating the appointment of persons with disabilities, through the provision of assistive technology and ensuring physical access.

The Public Appointments Service recruits the majority of staff for the Department of Education and Science. For certain posts, (eg service support staff, temporary and contract posts), my Department conducts its own recruitment. The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment to posts within my Department is on the basis of qualifications, where applicable, and the ability to carry out the responsibilities of the grade or post. There are no special qualification criteria for persons with disabilities seeking employment in the Civil Service. Persons with disabilities are entitled to apply for all competitions for which they are eligible and no special application procedures are required. During the selection process and in any subsequent placement in a post, any special needs requirements of an individual will be provided where possible.

My Department has agreed to participate in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project in 2006. This project aims to give between 3 — 6 months quality work experience to Graduates with disabilities. It is recognised that a disproportionate number of Graduates with a disability encounter difficulties at the transitional stage between graduation and employment since many have not had the opportunity of a summer work placement, despite qualifying in a broad range of disciplines such as Business, Economics and Social Science, Law, Engineering, Commerce, Education and Science. Offering placements to third level students has already proved to be a good way of highlighting the benefits of the Civil Service as an employer to prospective Graduates. The WAM project will help promote the Civil Service as an employer of choice, as well as giving practical effect to Government and Civil Service policy on improving employment prospects for people with disabilities.

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