Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of serving members of the Garda Síochána who have disabilities; the number of gardaí who have been recruited with disabilities; the number of gardaí who have disabilities arising from incidents related to their work; if arrangements are in place to accommodate members who, for whatever reason, have disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21487/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Recruitment in An Garda Síochána is governed by Statutory Regulation namely, the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 1988/2005. Following selection by the Public Appointments Commission each applicant must also undergo a physical competency test, a medical examination and character vetting. Section 46(1)(3) of Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 provides that that part, which deals with Public Service Employment, does not apply to the Garda Síochána. Arrangements have been put in place, where required, to facilitate members with a disability, so they can continue to work. The information requested in relation to the number of Gardaí who have disabilities is not readily available and is being collated at present. When I have this information to hand I will contact the Deputy directly.