asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will inquire into the facilities for the training and employment in suitable occupations of blind persons in Ireland; and if they are inadequate, whether he will take steps to have them extended and improved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training and Employment of Blind Persons.
There are four approved blind agencies which provide facilities for the training and employment in suitable occupations of blind persons. The nature of the employment consists of basket-making, brush-making, mattress-making, rug-making, knitting, re-caning and repairing chairs, copying and binding Braille books and Braille music writing. The only representations received in my Department as regards the inadequacy of employment by approved blind agencies related to difficulties in procuring necessary materials for blind workers employed in the above occupations. Local authorities have been advised to send to approved agencies blind persons suitable for industrial training, but in the prevailing conditions it is unlikely that the facilities for training can be extended or improved.