IT is not known how many people with disabilities work for government, the House of Keys has been told.
Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft wanted to know how many people with disabilities were employed by government and what the figure was as a percentage of the total employees.
But Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK explained at this morning's (Tuesday's) sitting of the House of Keys that statistics regarding members of staff with disabilities are not generally collected by the various employers comprising the Isle of Man Government.
He said in organisations where such statistics are collected it is not unknown for individuals who may have a disability or impairment to be reluctant to identify themselves and this has a negative impact on - and can severely limit - the usefulness of any statistics produced.
Mr Bell added: "It is important for me to make clear that government is committed to promoting equal opportunities and fairness at work and there is an established government policy in place in this regard, endorsed by the Council of Ministers."
In a separate question Mrs Beecroft asked Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK what schemes there are to assist people with disabilities to find employment.
Mr Shimmin highlighted the work of the disability employment service which operates out of the Job Centre building in Douglas.
He said it consists of two full time disability employment advicers whose role was to provide a service to clients and employers in order to identify any difficulties presented by a person's disability and to put in place whatever measures are necessary to overcome them.
Mr Shimmin added the employment (persons with disabilities etc) scheme 1999 can provide help towards seeking employment, the provision of aids or equipment, alterations to work premises or equipment, transport to and from work and further assistance while in work.
He said the employment rehabilitation scheme of 1989 can provide assistance towards wage costs for employers who offer employment to persons with a disability.
Mr Shimmin also highlighted the department's close relationship with organisations in the third sector who "are often uniquely placed to assist with the rehabilitation of persons with a disability and contribute to their transition or return to work."
