Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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507. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has assessed the case for mandatory disability and neurodiversity awareness training for managers with responsibility for recruitment, supervision and people management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29482/26]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Disability awareness training is a key priority for this Department, reflecting its central role in promoting the rights, inclusion and equality of disabled people. Such training supports staff to develop a greater understanding of disability and neurodiversity, promotes inclusive behaviours, and strengthens the Department’s capacity to meet its obligations under equality and disability legislation. The training also contributes to an inclusive workplace culture and supports staff to engage appropriately with disabled colleagues, service users and stakeholders, ensuring that the Department continues to lead by example in advancing disability equality across the Civil Service.

The Department has provided a wide range of disability and neurodiversity awareness learning opportunities for staff. These have been delivered through a combination of e-learning modules, webinars, information sessions, and in-person training. Current learning offerings include:

• Disability Awareness Training
• Disability Awareness and Reasonable Accommodation
• Invisible Disabilities Ireland
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (information session)
• Dyslexia in the Workplace
• Autism Awareness and Inclusion
• ADHD and the Workplace
• Visual Impairment in the Workplace
• Epilepsy Awareness
• Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Awareness
• Fibromyalgia Awareness
• Deaf Awareness Training
• Endometriosis Awareness
• JAM card initiative