asked the Taoiseach if he will appoint a Minister for the handicapped; or allocate specific responsibilities for providing facilities for the handicapped to any existing Minister of State; and, if so, the Minister or Minister of State he proposes to designate in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Facilities for Handicapped.
1.
The National Rehabilitation Board play a general co-ordinating role in relation to the provision of services for the handicapped by a number of Departments.
It would hardly be practicable, even if it was considered desirable, to bring all of those services under a single Minister or Minister of State.
Is the Taoiseach saying it is not desirable that a Minister should have political responsibility, as opposed to administrative responsibility, for effecting the greatest possible help for the handicapped in our society?
I did not say that it was not desirable; I said it would hardly be practicable. The Minister for Health exercises in the main the functions relating to handicapped persons but other Departments are involved as well. The National Rehabilitation Board are doing a very good job in co-ordinating all these services.
Is the Taoiseach aware that a substantial number of handicapped people propose to lobby the Dáil tomorrow and——
This does not arise. Question No. 2.
Would the Taoiseach not arrange for some Minister——
The question relates to whether a separate ministry would be set up and does not relate to people marching on the Dáil.
Would not the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Health to meet them tomorrow?
That is a separate question.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied with the progress made to date in fulfilling the quotas for the employment of the handicapped in the public service?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of Question No. 1.
When a question is put down on a specific subject, it does not mean Deputies can ask questions relating to every facet of the same subject.
I am asking about the possibilities for the employment of handicapped people.
The question deals with whether a Minister should be appointed for the handicapped.
(Cavan-Monaghan): If it is not intended to appoint a Minister for the handicapped, would the Taoiseach consider giving a direction to other Ministers when introducing legislation to facilitate the handicapped where possible? I have in mind a Bill such as the tolls Bill where I have been trying to persuade the Minister to make special exclusions for the handicapped. I am not succeeding and I suggest to the Taoiseach that he might give a general direction to Ministers to bear in mind the needs of the handicapped when introducing legislation.
I should be very glad to do that.
Question No. 2.
On a point of order, can the House be told why the Minister for the Environment is missing for the second day running?
This is not a relevant question. The Deputy repeatedly asks this. The Chair has no responsibility for the attendance of Ministers.
I have discovered what he was doing yesterday. He was opening a do-it-yourself exhibition.
The Deputy should not raise irrelevant questions. He should have more respect for the House.
The Minister should be here facing the music.
We have received word that the Minister is ill today.
I am sorry to hear that, but what I said about yesterday remains true. At 2.30 p.m. yesterday he was opening an exhibition.
The Deputy will desist from raising these matters at Question Time.