Departmental Policies

Tuesday, 7 July 2026

Ceisteanna (278)

Barry Heneghan

Ceist:

278. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current status of the proposed civil service reasonable accommodation policy due to be introduced in 2026; which disabled persons' representative organisations and disabled persons' organisations were consulted during its development; whether an organisation (details supplied) was consulted; if not, the reason for this; the purpose of the proposed policy and the way it is intended to operate alongside existing legal obligations in relation to reasonable accommodation; whether it will provide additional guidance to public bodies on considering requests for reasonable accommodation, including the application of the undue burden test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50938/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The development of the new Civil Service Reasonable Accommodation Policy for Disabled People commenced in Q4 2025 through the establishment of a cross-Civil Service policy working group. The policy is currently being developed as an internal workforce policy for the Civil Service and is intended to provide a modernised and more consistent framework for the provision of reasonable accommodation in the workplace.

Its purpose is to provide greater clarity and consistency in processes, support disabled and neurodivergent civil servants throughout their careers, and clearly define the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the provision of reasonable accommodation. It will operate alongside existing statutory obligations and will not replace any legal requirements. A supporting toolkit is also being developed to provide practical guidance on the assessment and implementation of reasonable accommodation requests, including consideration of the undue burden test.

As the policy remains in the design stage and is being developed as an internal Civil Service workforce policy, engagement has focused on a broad range of stakeholders from across the Civil Service, including disabled and neurodivergent employees, the Disability Liaison Officer Network and relevant policy and operational experts. The Department considers this approach appropriate given the purpose of the policy, which is to support the consistent provision of reasonable accommodation for Civil Service employees.