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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 1

Written Answers. - Training of Disabled.

Helen Keogh

Question:

26 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the measures, if any, that are being taken to facilitate people with disabilities on employment training schemes. [7661/96]

It is Government policy to maximise accessibility for people with disabilities to its various services and to the buildings where such services are provided. FÁS is no exception in this regard. When selecting new buildings, for example, a fundamental criterion is that it be accessible to people with disabilities and, furthermore, that its internal fixtures and fittings be as suitable as possible. Likewise, in the case of existing buildings, every reasonable effort is made to eliminate any access difficulties which may exist for disabled persons.

FÁS actively encourages disabled persons to participate on its training and employment programmes subject, of course, to their being physically or mentally able to do so. As part of its day to day activities, FÁS liaises with the National Rehabilitation Board at national and local level with a view to recruiting the maximum possible number of such persons onto its programmes. Normal eligibility criteria do not apply to the participation of disabled persons on the new community employment integration option, the part-time job option or the whole-time job option, as they may participate simply on the basis of being referred by the National Rehabilitation Board.
No doubt the Deputy will be aware that primary responsibility for assisting disabled persons rests with the Minister for Health.
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