Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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642. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific measures being taken to ensure the civil service meets the new 6% disability employment target set in 2024, particularly in Departments currently below this threshold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19449/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has responsibility for Civil Service workforce relations and HR policies, including policies related to equality, diversity and inclusion. The development and delivery of policies and programmes relating to disability inclusion is a key focus of the work of the EDI Policy Unit in the Department, in line with commitments under Better Public Services 2030.

In 2022, the most recent year for published data, the reported rate for the employment of people with a disability in the Civil Service is 5.7% (2022). This is an increase from 5.4% in the previous year and it exceeded the legislative target at that time. In 2022, 57.8% of Departments had 6% or higher disability rate and this figure is anticipated to increase each year.

The Civil Service has implemented several supports and initiatives aimed at promoting the employment and inclusion of people with disabilities. These supports align with both national policy and legal obligations under the Disability Act 2005 and the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty. Measures in place to promote disability employment include progressive and supportive HR policies, programmes focused on alternative pathways to employment, supporting the Disability Liaison Officers and improved data collection.

Over recent months, my Department has worked in close collaboration with colleagues in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to develop a number of actions under the employment pillar of the National Disability Strategy. These actions will support the Civil and Public Service to achieve the 6% target and to demonstrate leadership in the employment of people with disabilities in Ireland. These actions include:

• Reviewing and enhancing disability inclusion policies and practices including approaches to the provision of reasonable accommodations, in line with relevant Codes of Practice;
• Expanding the number and range of work placement opportunities, such as the Willing Abel and Mentoring programme (WAM) for graduates with disabilities and exploring clear pathways to permanent employment for people with disabilities. In 2024, 89% of WAM candidates secured a permanent role in the Civil Service;
• Promoting inclusion through the development of innovative recruitment, assessment and assignment practices; and
• Strengthening disability inclusion awareness for staff and management through training with a particular focus on the development and deployment of Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) in the Civil Service.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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643. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown, by Department or office, of the percentage of employees who have disclosed a disability for the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19450/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department is set out in the table below.