asked the Minister for Health if he has received a report from the working party set up to analyse and review the existing services for the occupational training of disabled persons; if so, if he will state the steps he intends to take on this report; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of Disabled.
17.
I received the report referred to by the Deputy in October, 1974, and I have accepted its recommendations in general. The report envisaged that the central role in the implementation of its proposals would be taken by the National Rehabilitation Board and that a review of their organisation and staffing would be necessary in order to put it on the most effective footing possible. This is being done by my Department. In the meantime several other measures arising from the report have been taken. These include (i) the establishment of a series of courses under the aegis of AnCO for persons involved in the training of handicapped persons; (ii) an increase by AnCO training centres in the intake of handicapped persons suitable for training for open employment; (iii) the opening of a number of new community workshops; (iv) the establishment under the aegis of the National Rehabilitation Board of an advisory committee on the occupational rehabilitation of the blind.
As resources permit the Deputy may be assured of further improvements to the services for the training of the handicapped.
Is the Minister aware that the National Rehabilitation Board are having financial problems? Will he come to their assistance to ensure that this extra work will be carried out?
I am not so aware. The grants from the European Social Fund over the last three years have been as follows: 1973, £184,000; 1974, £402,000 and 1975, £1,100,000.
Would the Minister accept that the management committee of the Central Remedial Committee have indicated that they will be in serious difficulties in the coming year unless they get additional finance?
I am so aware. Although it has not been brought officially to my notice, I read it in the newspapers.
Would the Minister consider giving assistance to the committee?
I could not comment on this until I have discussions on it.
The Minister said earlier that he had plenty of money.
I said I had plenty of money but not enough.
The Minister would have enough for this.
There are many demands and every Deputy wants his demand to get top priority.
As the Minister knows, I and others have been somewhat critical of the general approach of the report of the working party. Would he consider issuing a White Paper on his intentions in regard to this whole area? We have been extracting information bit by bit from him by way of parliamentary question on the action being taken as a result of the report. In view of the importance of this area and the many complications and different aspects of it, would he not consider it advisable to publish a White Paper covering the whole area and outlining his intentions? That White Paper could then form the basis of a debate in this House.
I will consider that.