asked the Minister for Finance the number of blind telephonists in employment in Government Departments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blind Telephonists.
36.
The figure sought by the Deputy is 17.
Is there any possibility that the Minister might be able to review Government policy or the policy of his Department in this regard, in view of the difficulties now facing many qualified blind telephonists in obtaining employment? Would the Minister have a look at this matter and possibly meet the trade union concerned, the National League of the Blind?
I explained in the House some time ago that certain technological developments in this regard make the prospects for the employment of blind telephonists less hopeful than they were in the past. Despite that fact, when the Department of Posts and Telegraphs are replacing telephone installations in Government Departments or State bodies, the possibility of providing a type of switchboard suitable for blind telephonists is examined on each occasion. There are more blind telephonists employed by the State than is indicated in the answer I have given, as the Deputy will appreciate, because of the terms of the question. Furthermore, consideration is being given at present to the possibility of State or semi-State employment for blind persons other than as telephonists.
Is the Minister telling us there has been a change in regard to the operation of switchboards for blind telephonists and that these blind telephonists will be laid off as a result?
I did not intend to imply that or to convey that.
What is the Minister telling us?
I said that prospects for new employment for blind telephonists are not as great as they were in the past.