asked the Minister for Health whether any provision exists for encouragement by grants or other aid for the setting up of handicraft cooperatives or markets for the physically or mentally handicapped, where such persons could make a contribution to their physical, mental, and financial welfare by the making and selling of handicraft produce; and, if so, what provision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Handicraft Co-operatives for Handicapped Persons.
32.
Existing legislation, which is contained in sections 50 and 65 of the Health Act, 1953, provides that a health authority may itself provide or may arrange with another body, facilities for the training of disabled persons and this provision could extend to the giving by health authorities of assistance towards the marketing of goods produced in the course of such training.
The Deputy's question may, however, relate to a wider matter, i.e. assistance in relation to sheltered employment of disabled persons after they have been trained. There is no specific power in regard to the grant of such assistance but the matter is being considered, arising primarily out of the recommendations of the Commission on Mental Handicap.