andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
Written Answers. - International Year of the Disabled.
309.
My Department, while not undertaking any formal programme in respect of the International Year of the Disabled, is co-operating with the Department of Labour, the Department of the Public Service and the Civil Service Commission in the recruitment programme for the disabled in the public sector.
All State bodies under the aegis of my Department have been encouraged to participate in the Government's efforts to promote employment of the disabled and have indicated their commitment to employing disabled persons where possible; to this end they are liaising with the National Rehabilitation Board.
The Arts Council are offering a bursary to an individual or a group presenting a proposal which would have the effect of increasing access to the arts by the disabled. The bursary is available in respect of any type of physical or mental handicap.
The National Economic and Social Council published a comprehensive report on "Major Issues in Planning Services for Mentally and Physically Handicapped Persons in Ireland" in October 1980. This report is a valuable source of information on the position of the handicapped in Ireland and contains detailed recommendations for the improvement of services for the disabled.
310.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
My Department is giving its full co-operation to the Departments of Labour and the Public Service and to the Civil Service Commission in a special recruitment programme which has been drawn up to improve the employment opportunities in the civil service for disabled persons. Employment will be available in my Department for a number of the successful applicants.
All State bodies under the aegis of my Department have been requested to participate in the Government's programme to improve employment opportunities for disabled persons. These bodies have confirmed their commitment to the employment of suitable disabled persons where possible and, in this regard, I understand that they are in contact with the National Rehabilitation Board.
Specific action being taken by the Electricity Supply Board provides for—
(i) the insertion of advertisements in appropriate media featuring electrical aids for the disabled;
(ii) holding displays (in various centres) of electrical equipment specially modified for use by the disabled; and
(iii) the issue of saving stamps incorporating the "International Year for Disabled Persons" symbol.
Bord na Móna, in consultation with the National Rehabilitation Board, is at present preparing programmes for the employment of mildly handicapped young people on work experience schemes in its workshops, stores and bogs.
311.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
My Department is co-operating fully with the Department of Labour, the Department of the Public Service and the Civil Service Commission in the programme to employ a quota of disabled persons in the public service.
The Government quota for the employment of disabled persons will also apply to the Agency for Personal Service Overseas which is under the aegis of my Department.
312.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
My Department is co-operating fully with the Departments of Labour and the Public Service and with the Civil Service Commission in their efforts to increase the employment opportunities for handicapped persons in the public sector.
All State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department have been encouraged to participate in the Government's efforts in this area. The bodies have indicated their commitment to employing suitable disabled persons where possible and to this end they are in contact with the National Rehabilitation Board. In fact, three of the bodies concerned have already exceeded the Government's target quota of 3 per cent.
In order to mark the Year of the Handicapped. Bord Fáilte has undertaken a survey of all accommodation to ascertain the availability of facilities for the disabled; the results will be published in the form of a special guide in July. The board is also preparing a holiday activity guide for the disabled. Where the board provides financial assistance for new developments in hotels they insist that, where possible, facilities for disabled persons are provided. A special section is being included in the Tidy Towns Competition to encourage local communities to participate in the International Year of the Disabled.
313.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
A special recruitment programme has been drawn up to improve the employment opportunities in the civil service for disabled persons. Employment will be available in my Department for a number of successful applicants.
As part of overall planning, not specifically related to the Year of the Disabled, measures are being taken in the interest of disabled persons who use buildings under the aegis of my Department. Arrangements are being made to have all Garda buildings to which the public have access surveyed with a view to having improved facilities made available. In new prisons and places of detention facilities for the disabled, who are, of course, more likely to be visitors than prisoners, will be provided. These facilities will include access ramps and special sanitary accommodation. Where possible, similar special facilities will be provided where existing buildings are being modernised.
In the prison workshops various products are made for disabled persons. These include braille literature for visually handicapped children, hobcarts for children affected by spina bifida and hearing-aid harnesses for deaf children.
314.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
A special recruitment programme has been drawn up to improve the employment opportunities in the civil service for disabled persons. Employment will be available in my Department for a number of successful applicants. The possibility of recruiting disabled persons as civilian employees with the Defence Forces is also being pursued.
315.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
In furtherance of the Government's commitment to the implementation of the 3 per cent quota scheme for the employment of disabled persons in the public service, I am confident that a significant number of persons will find employment under this scheme in 1981.
A special recruitment programme for the civil service has been drawn up and employment will be available in my Department and in civil service bodies for which I am responsible for a number of successful applicants. A number of disabled persons are, of course, already employed in these offices.
All the categories of disabled persons mentioned by the Deputies are eligible for recruitment to the civil service. However, recognising that the blind have special employment needs, the interdepartmental committee which is monitoring the quota scheme is exploring how best new employment opportunities can be provided for them.
The position regarding State-sponsored bodies under my aegis, is that while they do not have any specific programmes to mark the year of the disabled, they already employ a number of disabled persons and are included in the 3 per cent quota scheme.
As mentioned in the second national understanding; the Government are also committed to facilitating access for the disabled to all new public buildings. In accordance with such commitment new public buildings designed by or for the Office of Public Works contain means of access for the disabled. In addition, the objective is gradually to extend such facilities to existing buildings where adaptation is practicable.
A recommendation from the National Committee for the International Year of the Disabled that the Office of Public Works should discriminate in its renting programme in favour of buildings which are accessible to the disabled will be implemented wherever possible.
Finally, as outlined in my recent budget statement, a range of reliefs and improvements will be introduced for certain categories of disabled. Of these the main tax improvements are increases, which will come into operation with effect from 6 April 1981, in the blind person's tax allowance, the incapacitated child allowance and the allowance for totally incapacitated persons who must employ someone to take care of them. Provision has also been made for the complete relief from VAT on certain medical aids such as wheelchairs, orthopaedic appliances and the like with effect from 1 March 1981.
316.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
In furtherance of the Government's commitment to increasing the employment opportunities for handicapped persons in the public sector, a special programme has been drawn up by my Department, in association with the Department of Labour and the Civil Service Commission, for the recruitment of such persons to the civil service. Employment will be available in all Departments and offices, including the Department of the Public Service, for a number of the successful applicants.
317.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps; (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
The following is a general outline of the programmes to be undertaken by my Department to mark the year of the disabled in relation to the handicaps referred to in the question.
(a) Impairment of the functioning of the limbs
(i) A committee has been appointed to issue guidelines for architects and planners on the design criteria necessary to provide access and other facilities for the disabled in all schools.
(ii) A committee is currently reviewing the educational provisions made for the needs of the physically handicapped and it is expected that their recommendations will be available during the year.
(iii) A working party is at present examining the needs of the disabled student in public examinations.
(b) Deafness — Six new members have recently been appointed to the visiting teacher service, thus bringing the service to 27 members.
(c) Speech Impairment — Remedial measures in this connection involves speech therapy and come within the province of the Minister for Health.
(d) Blindness — It is anticipated that two places will be allocated for teachers of the blind on the 1981-82 Diploma Course in Special Education at St. Patrick's College of Education, Dublin. The feasibility of following up this course with a supplementary short course to meet the specific needs of teachers of the blind is being considered.
(e) Mental Handicap
(i) Arrangements are being made for the preparation of new curriculum guidelines for schools for moderately handicapped children.
Special courses for all teachers of the moderately mentally handicapped are planned for next autumn.
(ii) The report of a working party on the educational and training needs of the severely and profoundly mentally handicapped is expected this year.
(iii) A committee is investigating the feasibility of setting up more special classes at post-primary school level for children with mild mental handicap.
318.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
My Department is co-operating fully with the Departments of Labour and the Public Service and with the Civil Service Commission in their efforts to increase the employment opportunities in the public sector for handicapped persons including persons suffering from the disabilities mentioned. All State bodies under the aegis of my Department have been encouraged to participate in the Government's efforts in this area.
319.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht if she will outline the programme to be introduced by her Department and by each State body under her aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness, and (e) mental handicap.
D'fhonn deiseanna fostaíochta a fheabhsú do dhaoine a bhfuil mí-chumas orthu: tá clár earcaíochta ar leith leagtha amach don státseirbhís agus beidh comhoibriú ar fáil ó mo Roinnse chun é a chur i bhfeidhm agus beidh a gcion féin á dhéanamh freisin ag na comhlachtaí Stát-tionscanta faoi scáth mo Roinne.
320.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness, and (e) mental handicap.
A wide-ranging programme of events and activities has been developed to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons. As the main purpose of the programme is to assist all disabled people and as most of the items contained in it aim to cover a wide spectrum of disability it is not possible to provide information in the form requested by the Deputies. I am however arranging to send to the Deputies a copy of the "Calendar of Events" and "Outline of Major Activities" which has been prepared by the National Committee which I established for the Year.
321.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
My Department's approach to the needs of disabled persons is not directed to provisions for different kinds of handicap but mainly towards making provision for disabled persons generally.
Disabled persons entitled to invalidity pension, disablement benefit, constant attendance allowance, blind pension, or prescribed relative allowance under the Social Welfare Acts will have their payments increased by 25 per cent from April 1981.
Disabled persons entitled to disability benefit, injury benefit or unemploy ability supplement under the Social Welfare Acts will have their payments increased by 20 per cent from April 1981.
The free telephone rental scheme applies at present to persons aged 66 years or over receiving pensions from my Department who are living alone or with one other person who is a permanently incapacitated person. The scheme will be extended from April 1981 to include recipients of disabled person's maintenance allowance under the same conditions as apply at present, but with no age limit.
My Department is co-operating also with the Minister for Labour towards the implementation of a 3 per cent quota scheme for the employment of disabled persons in the public sector.
There are no State bodies under my aegis.
322.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
No specific programme has been formulated by my Department or by State agencies under my aegis to mark the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons.
The activities engaged in by the Department and these State bodies do not in general lend themselves to such a programme. However, my Department co-operates in programmes of this sort which are the responsibility of other bodies such as the Civil Service Commission and the Office of Public Works.
The amenity and recreation unit propose to incorporate facilities for the disabled in any new buildings being erected for public use in State forests.
Already, a small number of the Department's forest walks and trails are designed to accommodate the physically handicapped. As part of the current extension of the amenity facilities in Donadea, County Kildare, a nature trail specifically catering for disabled people is being provided.
323.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
For a number of years requests for the provision of facilities for the disabled by my Department have, when possible, been met. My Department have also taken the initiative in providing such facilities as opportunity arose. All new buildings, erected and to be erected, provide for the disabled.
All departmental premises are being examined at present to see what can be done to improve or provide facilities for the disabled. This includes providing special telephone kiosks.
In accordance with Government policy, disabled persons are being given first priority this year for subordinate employment in my Department.
Radio Telefís Éireann are the only State body under my aegis and I have no function in regard to the provision of facilities for the disabled by that body.
324.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the year of the disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of the functioning of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
The Government are endeavouring to increase employment opportunities for handicapped persons in the public service. My Department are co-operating fully in this programme and are committed to accepting disabled personnel wherever possible. The Department have participated in the work of the advisory council set up as a source of advice and information to the National Committee for the International Year for Disabled Persons.
I have encouraged the State bodies under the aegis of my Department to make every effort to increase the employment of persons with physical handicaps, and I have been assured of their full co-operation in this matter. These bodies have shown already a concerned and humane policy towards employees who became disabled and make every effort to find alternative suitable employment within the organisation for an employee who develops a physical disability.
In addition, the State bodies are anxious to take account as far as possible of the needs of the disabled using their buildings and services and in that connection some special features to facilitate the disabled have been adopted while others are under consideration. In that connection a number of these bodies maintain contacts with organisations catering for categories of handicapped persons, such as the National Rehabilitation Board and National Association for the Deaf.
325.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap.
In connection with the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons I have taken the following measures.
I have asked local authorities to give particular attention to facilitating ease of access and circulation within buildings including public libraries and toilets. It is also the intention that my Department will co-operate with the National Rehabilitation Board in a "Design Award Scheme" relating to public and private buildings, to mark the Year.
I have also asked local authorities to have regard to the needs of the disabled in the planning and execution of road works. In particular, I have urged those authorities with responsibility for roads in urban areas, to avoid steep gradients or sharp changes in the alignment of footpaths which might prove deceptive to blind or partially sighted persons. In addition they were advised that wheelchair ramps constructed of non-slip material, should, where possible, be provided at pedestrian crossing points.
I understand that the Irish Water Safety Association also is paying special attention to the needs of the handicapped in their programme of activities this year.
Apart from the special arrangements for the International Year of Disabled Persons it is my policy, in so far as areas under my control are concerned, to encourage local authorities to have regard to the requirements of the disabled particularly in relation to access to and facilities in their own buildings, and in the consideration of planning applications for buildings to which the general public will have access. Local authorities already take account of the needs of the disabled in their annual assessments of housing needs and in the scheme of housing grants for the disabled, introduced in 1972, for the adaptation of houses or flats.
My Department is involved in consideration of possibilities of increasing employment opportunities for disabled persons in the public sector.
326.
andMr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline the programme to be introduced by his Department and by each State body under his aegis to mark the International Year of the Disabled in respect of each of the following handicaps: (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and, (e) mental handicap.
I have general responsibility for the implementation of the 3 per cent quota scheme for the employment of disabled persons in the Public Service and I am confident that a significant number of persons will find employment under this scheme in 1981.
As part of the scheme a recruitment programme has been drawn up to improve employment opportunities in the civil service for disabled persons and employment will be available in my Department for a number of the successful applicants.
All the categories of disabled persons mentioned by the Deputies are eligible for recruitment to the civil service. However, I recognise that the blind have special employment needs and the InterDepartmental Committee under the aegis of my Department which is monitoring the quota scheme is exploring how best new employment opportunities can be provided for them.
The following is the position regarding the State bodies under my aegis:—
(a) AnCO—AnCO recently announced a ten point programme to expand the training and employment opportunities for disabled persons as part of its continuing programme to help the disabled play a full part in the working life of the nation. The programme is as follows:—
1. Expansion of training opportunities for the disabled by increased use of external training facilities.
2. Design of all new AnCO buildings to provide for access for the disabled.
3. Definite programme of modification to existing buildings, where necessary, to ensure access for the disabled.
4. Firm recruitment programme to employ a minimum of 3 per cent disabled persons on AnCO's permanent staff.
5. Promotion of training and employment of the disabled in the private sector via AnCO's statutory Training Advisory Committees for each industrial sector.
6. Establishment of `Management Team on the Disabled' within AnCO to promote and develop AnCO's policies on the disabled.
7. Appointment of a `Training Co-Ordinator for the Disabled' as a catalyst, co-ordinator and expert to assist each Division in AnCO to meet its objectives.
8. Organisation of training and educational programmes for AnCO staff to increase awareness of their role in training and working with the disabled.
9. Revision of promotional literature to include the disabled, to encourage more disabled applicants for training or for employment.
10. Co-operation with other agencies (e.g., NRB/RTE) in the making of a film on the assessment, training and successful placement of disabled persons.
(b) CERT—CERT provides places and facilities for a number of disabled persons on each of its training courses. Mentally handicapped persons are given special consideration for courses run at its Dublin Centre.
(c) Employment Equality Agency — The Employment Equality Agency is staffed by officers of the Department of Labour who will be taken into account when my Department's quota is being calculated.