asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the present position in regard to each of the matters referred to by him in the reply to a parliamentary question of 10 March 1981 as being undertaken at that time to mark the International Year of the Disabled to assist persons with each of the following handicaps (a) impairment of limbs, (b) deafness, (c) speech impairment, (d) blindness and (e) mental handicap; if he will state in each instance where a matter was then being referred to a committee, if the committee have reported thereon; and the action taken on their report.
Written Answers. - Assistance for Disabled.
547.
My Department are continuing to give their full co-operation to the Departments of Labour and the Public Service and the Civil Service Commission in the special recruitment programme drawn-up to improve employment opportunities in the civil service for disabled persons. All the State bodies under the aegis of my Department are also participating in the Government programme.
The Electricity Supply Board are continuing to advertise through appropriate media various electrical aids for the disabled. By way of public displays of electrical equipment specially modified for use by the disabled, health boards, voluntary organisations and occupational therapists throughout the country have now been made aware of these aids. Furthermore, the ESB actively canvass organisations such as the National Rehabilitation Board when recruiting staff.
Bord na Móna are continuing, in association with the National Rehabilitation Board, to offer suitable employment where it arises at their works throughout the country. They have also recently introduced a work experience programme for handicapped persons in the Newbridge/Kildare area.