Written answers

Thursday, 2 November 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Equal Opportunities Employment

5:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are employment opportunities in his Department for people with a physical disability as there is an interest in foreign affairs; and if this is the case, the route to take to avail of these opportunities. [35920/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs is strongly committed to positive action designed to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is responsible for recruitment across the Civil Service, including the recruitment of people with disabilities. My Department works with other Government Departments, the PAS and the National Disability Authority in the implementation of the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, including those relating to the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service. This Department also participates in the confined promotion competitions for people with disabilities who are already in the Civil Service, which are organised by the PAS from time to time.

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.

While recruitment to the Civil Service is, in the first instance, a matter for the PAS, the Human Resources Section of my Department would be happy to provide advice and guidance to any person with a physical disability who may be interested in pursuing an employment opportunity with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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