Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs 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. [37883/06]

Dermot 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. Persons with disabilities can participate in all competitions for which they are eligible, and no special application procedures are required. Following the selection process, any particular accommodations required for an individual with a disability will, where possible, be provided.

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.

In addition, my Department is a participant in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) project, administered by AHEAD — the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability — and supported by the Department of Finance. It provides 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 disability who may be interested in pursuing an employment opportunity with the Department of Foreign Affairs.