Written answers

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Departmental Staff

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1522. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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. [41587/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with Section 47 of the Disability Act 2005, all public service bodies are obliged "in so far as practicable"to take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of persons with disabilities.

In compliance with Section 47(4) of the Disability Act, my Department surveys all employees annually to establish the number of employees who have a disability.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has exceeded the 3% minimum target for persons with disabilities in each of the last ten years, with the figure for 2020 at 3.8%. It should be noted that disclosure by individuals of their disability status is voluntary, as is the disclosure of the nature of any disability disclosed.

The Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who fosters awareness of equality and disability issues among staff and provides support, advice and guidance to staff and managers in ensuring staff with a disability have equal opportunities throughout their career in my Department. The Disability Liaison Officer also facilitates reasonable accommodation as appropriate for employees with disabilities.

The Department is a long time supporter of providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and has participated for many years in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme. This programme provides a six month paid and mentored work placement for graduates with a disability. In the last few years, the Department has increased the number of placements it has made available under the WAM programme. Many former participants of the programme have gone on to secure permanent employment in the Civil Service.

The Department has participated in the Job Shadow Initiative on a continuous basis since 2009. Job Shadow Day is a national project, bringing people with disabilities and local employers together for one day to promote equal employment opportunities

In accordance with the Department’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy, the Department explores initiatives with a view to increasing workplace opportunities for persons with disabilities. One very successful initiative has been collaboration with the Oireachtas on the Oireachtas Work Learning programme (OWL), a learning, development and socialisation programme for young adults with an intellectual disability. The programme aims to provide a real and applied learning experience to the participants in a safe and secure work environment, to support them in developing the skills which will lead them to access paid employment in the open labour market.

The Department will be happy to participate in any actions required to increase the disability workforce either through competitions run by its recruitment partners - the Public Appointments Service - or through direct recruitment.

The question of the employment of persons with disabilities and disability initiatives in the State Bodies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the Agencies themselves. This information has been requested from the State Bodies in question and the information will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.

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