Press Release

You are here: Home > News & Publications > Press Releases > CALL ON MINISTER FOR JUSTICE TO ACHIEVE 3% EMPLOYMENT TARGET IN CIVILIAN RECRUITMENT TO THE GARDA

CALL ON MINISTER FOR JUSTICE TO ACHIEVE 3% EMPLOYMENT TARGET IN CIVILIAN RECRUITMENT TO THE GARDA

Thursday 16th August 2007. .         

A call was made today on the Minister for Justice to ensure that the 3% employment target for people with disabilities in the public sector is met in the recruitment of civilians to the Garda.

PwDI, the national body representing all people with disabilities, said that while the target has not applied to the Garda force there is every reason as to why it should apply in the case of civilian recruitment.

Michael Ringrose, PwDI CEO said:

“Administrative posts and positions like the monitoring of CCTV can be performed equally efficiently by people with disabilities.

“Since the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has responsibility for equality issues there is a special onus upon it to show leadership in this area and do everything within its power to achieve and even exceed the 3% employment target.

“We are calling upon the Minister to ensure that it happens sooner rather than later,” he said.

Mr Ringrose said that only one in four people with disabilities of working age has a job, compared with a 70 per cent employment rate for others of working age.

“As job opportunities have grown in the economy, the proportion of people with disabilities at work has been at a standstill and may even have fallen,” he said.

“This is no longer acceptable and the public sector must lead the way.”

Further information: -----------

Ends

Further information:        National Office PwDI              Tel. 01-8721744

Back to top

<< Previous Press Release |Next Press Release >> | Back to index