asked the Minister for Labour whether he has any plans in his Department for legislation which would ensure that employers in the public and private sector would employ a certain minimum percentage of incapacitated persons; and if he will make a general statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Incapacitated Persons.
9.
In 1967 this House rejected a proposal for legislation on the lines indicated in the Deputy's question. As will be seen from the discussion on the subject which ended on the 29th November, 1967, Official Report, Vol. 231, cols. 1024-1042, the House accepted the advice of the majority of voluntary organisations providing services for the handicapped that more could be achieved in this field by the co-operation of employers than by legislation.
The National Rehabilitation Board operates a special placement service for the handicapped and there is close co-operation between my Department and the board.
The National Manpower Service will be keeping an eye on progress in the placement of handicapped persons in employment and should it appear to be necessary at any time to introduce legislation on the subject, this will be re-considered.
Is the Minister aware that an attempt to try to do something for the handicapped in Kildare is being held up because of the fact that the local authority will not give permission for the use of the technical school and are using is as a bargaining base with the Department of Defence over a site for a barracks? Will the Minister use his good offices to try to get this cleared up?
I would be surprised if any local authority put any obstacle in the way.
If I give the file to the Minister will he have a look at it this evening?
I will indeed.