Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1834. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in his Department and in each State and semi State body under the aegis of his Department; if there is a responsibility to employ persons with disabilities to a quota of 3% of its workforce; if this quota has now been exceeded; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to this quota; if not, the reason therefor; and the dates and details of such competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27145/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and all agencies under the Department's remit are subject to specific legal obligations set out in the Disability Act 2005.  Part 5 of the Act sets out a requirement for public service bodies to meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities.The National Disability Authority (NDA) reports on compliance with this 3% target and currently my Department exceeds the target with 3.8% of employees with disabilities.

The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES) was launched by the Government on 2 October 2015. The Government has already taken a number of key decisions as recommended in the Strategy including:

- the public service employment target for people with disabilities will be increased on a phased basis as set out in the Strategy from 3% to 6%.

- special public service competitions for people with disabilities will be arranged and alternative recruitment channels will be opened up for people with disabilities.

These and other recommendations of the Strategy are being considered by a cross-party group chaired by Mr Fergus Finlay .

In regard to the number of staff with disabilities employed  by  agencies under the aegis of this Department this is a matter for the Agencies themselves. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to them for their direct response.  If the Deputy does not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.