Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 207: To ask the Taoiseach the number of persons currently employed in his Department whose status has changed to that of disabled since the commencement of their employment with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32025/06]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the definition of a person with a disability for the purposes of the 3% target is the positive action definition set out in the Code of Practice for the Civil Service, 1994.

In this context, the term "people with disabilities" means people with a physical, sensory or psychological impairment which may: "have a tangible impact on their functional capability to do a particular job; or have an impact on their ability to function in a particular physical environment; or lead to a discrimination in obtaining or keeping employment of a kind for which they would otherwise be suited."

Given the relatively small size of my Department, it would be inappropriate to disclose the number of persons currently employed in my Department whose status has changed to disabled since the commencement of their employment with the Department. I would wish to point out to the Deputy, however, that this Department continues to meet the 3% target set by the Government for the employment of people with disabilities.