asked the Minister for Justice 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 has reported thereon; and the action taken on its report.
Written Answers. - Assistance for Disabled.
563.
As a result of the special recruitment programme to improve employment opportunities in the civil service for disabled persons my Department has employed eight disabled persons since 10 March 1981.
The Office of Public Works have provided special sanitary facilities for disabled persons in my Department's headquarters and plans are being prepared for the provision of ramps at both the Department's headquarters and at 4/5 Harcourt Road where part of my Department's staff are to be located.
In March 1981 the Garda Commissioner sent a circular directing that discussion be undertaken by Garda with the Office of Public Works staff at local level with a view to providing improved facilities to assist access by disabled persons to Garda buildings. Those facilities are being provided.