Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 449: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of persons currently employed in his Department whose status has changed to that of disabled since the commencement to their employment with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34009/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is 3%. Policy in relation to this target is the responsibility of the Department of Finance.

The term "people with disabilities " is set out in the 1994 Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Civil Service as meaning 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." As the Deputy will understand and appreciate, the compilation of statistics in this very sensitive area is dependent, to a large extent, on voluntary self-disclosure of a disability by staff. I am conscious that some officials, who would be considered as "disabled" under the above definition, might not welcome being categorised as a disabled person.

As a result, data held by the Department in relation to staff with a disability is not maintained in the format requested by the Deputy. I can, however, confirm to the Deputy that I am satisfied that the percentage of staff with a disability in the Department of Foreign Affairs, at 3.45%, is in excess of the overall target for the Civil Service.

My Department is also a participant in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project, which is administered by AHEAD — the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability — and supported by the Department of Finance. It aims to provide work experience of between three and six months for graduates with disabilities. There is currently one WAM work placement in operation. Finally, my Department also provides support to staff with disabilities through the work of the Department's Disability Liaison and Employee Assistance Officers.