The Code was issued in August 2002 by the Department of Labour with the aim of guiding, educating and informing employers, employees and trade unions to understand their rights and obligations and to promote and encourage equal opportunities and fair treatment of people with disabilities.

The Technical Assistance Guidelines on the Employment of People with Disabilities (TAG) was then issued to complement the Code, with the intention of assisting with the practical implementation of aspects of the EEA relating to the employment of people with disabilities in the workplace. It builds on the Code to set out practical guidelines and examples for employers, employees and trade unions on how to promote equality, diversity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination. The TAG includes non-discrimination and affirmative action measures and provides guidelines on how to implement it.