Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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90. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagement he has had on the policy of progressing disability services; and if he has contacted other Ministers regarding the policy. [16166/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Progressing Disability Services (PDS) is a national programme to reorganise children’s disability services. It will change the way children and their families’ access and receive clinical disability services and aims to provide a fairer pathway to clinical supports.  This programme is led by the HSE in partnership with the non-statutory disability organisations, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills and associated agencies. My Department does not interact with children’s disability services, and is not actively involved in the implementation of the PDS policy.

In compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, my Department has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities.  The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience.  Recruitment to my Department is open to all applicants, and reasonable accommodation is afforded to those with a declared disability. 

I will continue to work with my Government colleagues on matters arising in the area of disability.