Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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271. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide information on the number of persons of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds currently working in her Department and in other public service organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20433/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My Department does not record information on the numbers of persons of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds employed by it or in the agencies under its aegis.

My Department currently uses the services of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for the recruitment of its staff and I am aware that PAS is committed to ensuring that the participation of members of ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, older candidates, members of the Traveller community and others covered by the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2015 is encouraged in the selection process.

I have asked my officials to arrange for the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA), the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Ombudsman for Children's Office and the Children Detention Schools to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.