With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose taking questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
In line with the Government's manifesto proposals in relation to the employment of disadvantaged persons, I have introduced a scheme under which, with certain exceptions such as the Defence Forces and the Garda, public departments, local authorities and State-sponsored bodies will be required to achieve a 3 per cent quota of handicapped persons over a period of five years.
The scheme is similar to one proposed but not implemented by the previous Government. It will be administered by the various departments and bodies under the guidance and supervision of an Inter-Departmental Committee set up by me recently. The committee, which held their first meeting on 24 January, have been given the task of drawing up general guidelines for the implementation of the scheme, monitoring progress and making recommendations in relation to any problems or questions arising such as suitability or otherwise of certain posts, conditions for competitions and adaptation or introduction of facilities in the workplace.
The committee will report to me at frequent intervals so that any decisions necessary can be taken to ensure that the target set by the Government will be reached.