asked the Minister for Labour if, in light of a report (details supplied) there are any plans to develop specialised programmes to help the blind to gain skills which would facilitate their access to posts in the public service.
78.
Written Answers. - Services for the Blind.
77.
asked the Minister for Labour if he plans to establish a quota of placement for blind and disabled people offered through FÁS, as recommended in a report (details supplied).
I propose to take questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
I set out my areas of responsibility in relation to the handicapped in my reply to the Deputy's question on this matter on 28 February 1989, when I referred to the quota for the employment of the disabled in the public sector and the co-operation between FÁS and the NRB.
The Deputy will be aware that there is a grade of blind telephonist in the Civil Service. There has, however, been no recruitment to the grade for some time because of the embargoes on general recruitment to the public service.
The imposition of a quota on the public sector would relate to all recruitment including vacancies filled through FÁS. The introduction of such a quota would have to be considered primarily in the context of assistance to the handicapped. It is, however, only through the co-operation and goodwill of employers that handicapped persons, including the blind, will get meaningful jobs commensurate with their vocational abilities.
79.
asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to introduce a mobility allowance for blind persons in areas where transport is infrequent similar to those given to the physically handicapped, as recommended in a report (details supplied).
As I said in reply to another question from the Deputy on 28 February 1989, the implications of the various recommendations, including this one, made in the report in question are being assessed in my Department.
80.
asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no specific training of social workers for the deaf/blind.
Specialisation is not a feature of social work training in this country. The content of courses is, of course, a matter for the educational establishments concerned. The National Council for the Blind provide special training for their own social workers and the National Association for the Deaf provide basic training courses in communicating with the deaf which are availed of by health professionals including social workers.