To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many disabled staff in his Department received support through the Access to Work scheme (a) in each of the last five years and (b) in 2006-07. (82231)

The table provides information on the numbers of NIO staff with disabilities for whom NIO requested support through the Access to Work scheme. This relates to the provision of workplace assessments to identify individual needs and recommend special aids and equipment and, where applicable, the provision of assistance with the cost of providing reasonable adjustments. While the scheme also assists with the cost of travel to work, the Department has no knowledge of assistance provided for NIO staff, as individuals must apply direct to the scheme.