Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 281: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria for persons with disabilities for seeking employment opportunities within his Department; the application procedures that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34602/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that appointment to civil service positions is generally by way of open competition conducted by the Public Appointments Service. Persons with disabilities are entitled to apply for all competitions subject to their meeting the eligibility requirements of the competition in question. The same applies to any competition that my own Department might run from time to time. Recruitment campaigns targeted at people with disabilities are occasionally run by the Public Appointments Service and I understand that it expects to advertise such a competition for recruitment to the grade of Executive Officer by year end.

I am informed that there are no special application procedures as such for persons with disabilities. Online facilities are available from the Public Appointments Service and are convenient for many people with disabilities. Where applicants request special facilities every effort is made to accommodate them during the selection process. Particular consideration is also given, when placing successful candidates in posts, to the work environment and the provision of special equipment or facilities. The overall emphasis is on ensuring that people with disabilities are facilitated with access to employment opportunities and that every necessary accommodation is made.

The Government's 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service has a key role to play in creating employment opportunities which might not otherwise be available. The Minister for Finance is responsible for this target which applies to all Government Departments and other public bodies. The proportion of staff with a disability employed in my Department exceeds the 3% target, and currently stands at over 5%. My Department's commitment to the employment of people with disabilities is further underlined by its active participation in a work experience programme for graduates with disabilities, under which five people have been placed over the last two years. This "Willing, Able and Mentoring" project, WAM as it is known, is operated and coordinated by the Department of Finance which arranges temporary placements for graduates with disabilities across Government Departments.