asked the Minister for Local Government if he will recommend to all local authorities the reservation of a percentage of clerical, semi-clerical and light manual posts under their control for persons suffering from physical disability.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Posts for Disabled Persons.
10.
Recruitment to offices of a clerical or semi-clerical nature in the local authority service is a matter for each local authority subject to prescribed conditions as to qualifications, public advertisement and open competition. A standard condition is that a candidate must be free from any defect or disease which would render him unsuitable to hold office and must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Subject to compliance with that condition there is no restriction which would prevent the appointment of a person because of physical disability, provided he possesses the necessary qualifications for appointment. In the case of employments other than offices, no standard conditions of recruitment are prescribed and local authorities have complete discretion in the matter. It would not, therefore be appropriate for me to make a recommendation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.