asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the difficulty which epileptics experience in obtaining or holding employment; if he has examined this special problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Epileptics.
8.
I appreciate the difficulties which epileptics have to contend with in relation to employment. These difficulties could be substantially ameliorated by a more understanding attitude on the part of employers and fellow-workers. Apart from jobs where there would be obvious risk for themselves and others, the condition need cause little or no inconvenience in a place of work.
I have not had an examination carried out in relation specifically to epileptics. Their needs will, however, be covered in conjunction with a thorough review of the training services for handicapped persons generally which is at present being undertaken by my Department in consultation with the National Rehabilitation Board, following on the report of the Working Party on Training and Employing the Handicapped.
Has the Minister considered providing special aid for families where epilepsy exists, especially in the cases of women with young children? There is a specialised and serious difficulty here. Has the Minister considered specialised assistance by way of home help?
That has been considered. Epilepsy is not one of the conditions which qualifies for free treatment but the patients qualify for free drugs.
Will the Minister have the matter further considered? Because of the peculiar nature of epilepsy there is danger not only to the patients themselves but also to their children. These dangers are quite exceptional. So far as I know they do not apply to any other pathological condition.
A review is taking place at the moment.