asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, having regard to the very small proportion of blind persons in remunerative employment in this State compared with other countries, he will have effective steps taken to increase employment opportunities for blind persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Blind Persons.
42.
There are no statistics available of the total number of blind persons in the State or of the number of blind persons who are in employment.
The National Council for the Blind of Ireland operates a placement service the object of which is to place as many blind persons as possible in remunerative employment and employment has been found for a number of blind persons as telephonists and in other capacities. Work of a sheltered nature is also provided by a number of voluntary institutions and by the Board for the Employment of the Blind which are subsidised from State and Local Authority funds.