Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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403. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current 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; the disability quota of his Department at present; if there is an active campaign to increase the disability workforce from the current target of 3% to a minimum of 6% by 2024; if this quota has now been exceeded; if so, the details of same; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to the quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41594/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is fully committed to progressing the values of diversity and inclusion, promoting a fair and equal workplace for our people, and ensuring that our staff represents the society we serve. Reflecting this commitment, in 2020, my Department's Human Resources Division launched a staff survey on the 'Building Diversity Through Recruitment' staff and has engaged the Irish Centre for Diversity to work towards certification in an 'Investors in Diversity' process.

My Department is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices in line with the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024.  The disability quota for my Department is currently 3% as per part 5 of the Disability Act 2005.  In 2020, our HR returns of 5.25% exceeded those targets. I can, therefore, assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to meeting our 6% target by 2024.

While there has not been an advertised competition in relation to the quota, my Department’s Human Resources Division maintains regular contact with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and with the National Disability Authority (NDA) to ensure that we are adhering to best practice in this area in respect of all recruitment competitions.