asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will confirm that visually impaired people will be employed in the civil service as part of the quota of places reserved for disabled persons; and if he will instruct the Civil Service Commissioners to amend their regulations to cater for the visually impaired.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Posts for Disabled.
32.
A number of visually impaired persons have been appointed from the special competitions confined to handicapped persons which have been conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners. To date seven such competitions have been held and a further competition for Clerical Assistant was announced recently. In addition, posts as sightless telephonist in the civil service have long been open to the visually impaired.
The entry conditions for handicapped persons are modified to take account of the fact they they may not in all respects be able to meet the usual health requirements and every effort is made to facilitate such persons.
Is the Minister aware that as recently as 27 October the Commissioners sent a letter to one candidate who had been successful in the contest stating that the Commissioners recommend a person for appointment if, and only if, the Commissioners are satisfied that he is in good health and free from any physical defect or disease which would be likely to interfere with the proper discharge of his duties in that position? The letter continued:
The Commissioners, after considering the particular case, were of the opinion that his eyesight was not such as to enable him to discharge the duties of the position efficiently.
Would the Minister agree that this raises a very serious question for the blind? I know that the NLB are very concerned about the matter. Would the Minister agree to look into it urgently to ensure that suitable terms of reference will be established to allow the visually impaired and the blind to participate in these examinations?
I can assure the Deputy that if this is the case in relation to which the question was put down some other factors had to be taken into account. This is not as simple as indicated. The individual involved has lodged an appeal with the Commissioners in accordance with normal practice. I will let the Deputy have the facts.
There are five cases. This is a serious situation and I should like an assurance from the Minister that there is not a prohibition on the visually impaired or the blind taking up these posts. All involved are very concerned, those who are training them as well as the NLB. I would point out that in the British Civil Service a large number of totally blind people and very seriously visually impaired people are employed, even up to the rank of Assistant Secretary in a Ministry. I would ask the Minister to ensure that the horizons are extended in this regard.
I am quite happy to take up the individual cases.