asked the Minister for the Public Service 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.
452.
During 1981 some 170 handicapped persons were recruited to the civil service, mainly by way of special confined competitions which were held by the Civil Service Commission. The handicaps of these persons covered all the categories mentioned by the Deputy. However, while in addition to sightless telephonists, a number of visually handicapped persons were recruited, the blind have special employment needs. In consultation with the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Labour, my Department, therefore, are giving attention to the possibility that the opportunities for such persons to obtain employment in the public service can be further improved.
The Civil Service Commission will continue to hold special competitions confined to handicapped persons as a means of implementing the Government's commitment to increasing the employment opportunities for handicapped persons in the public service.