Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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369. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage or number of staff working with a disability within her Department and the agencies under her aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by her Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42140/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Part V of the Disability Act 2005 requires that public bodies promote and support the employment of people with disabilities and ensure that 3% of staff employed by them are people with disabilities.  The requirement applies to the Department of Education and certain of its aegis bodies.

In 2018, the reported percentage of employees with a disability under the definition of the Disability Act 2005, for the overall Department of Education and Skills was 3.72%. Of the aegis bodies reporting for 2018, an overall average compliance level of 4.1% was achieved. 

In 2019, the reported percentage of employees with a disability under the definition of the Disability Act 2005 for the overall Department of Education and Skills was 3.81%. The overall average compliance level achieved for the aegis bodies reporting in 2019 was 4.15%.

Statistics for 2020 are in the process of being complied and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.

The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities for 2015 – 2024, commits the Government to progressively increasing the statutory target for the employment of people with disabilities from 3% to a minimum of 6% in the public sector by 2024.

While the assistance of the Public Appointments Service is sought for the majority of recruitments in my Department, my Department is committed to supporting staff members with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodation where required.