asked the Minister for Health the range of State services presently provided for blind people in Ireland, if he has satisfied himself that these services are adequate to meet the needs of the blind and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Blind People's Services.
369.
The range of services provided specifically for the blind consists of special education, vocational training and placement, home visiting and home craft training, blind pensions and supplementary blind welfare allowances and accommodation in special homes. Not all of these services are my responsibility. The services are kept under review to ensure that they are adequate. For example, a special advisory committee on training and employment opportunities for the blind has been established under the auspices of the National Rehabilitation Board and an inter-departmental committee recently reported to the Minister for Education on future educational arrangements for visually handicapped children.
I might add that subject to the normal eligibility provisions blind persons are of course also eligible for the full range of health services available to the general public.