asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the new measures, if any, that he intends to introduce for the International Year of the Disabled to increase the employment of disabled persons in the public service.
Written Answers . - National Year of the Disabled .
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: I have already arranged for the Civil Service Commission to hold a special competition for recruitment of disabled persons to the grade of clerical assistant in the Civil Service. The competition commenced last week, and I expect the results to be available in time to make the first appointments by the beginning of the International Year of the Disabled.
Discussions are taking place between Government Departments on possibilities for recruiting disabled persons to other grades in the Civil Service. I have arranged for the Department of Labour to engage in consultations, on a continuing basis, with local authorities, health boards and other State agencies so as to encourage and assist them in their efforts to recruit disabled persons.
I am also glad to say that the proposals for a Second National Understanding for Economic and Social Development contain both a Government and Irish Congress of Trade Unions commitment to increasing the employment opportunities for disabled persons in the public sector in line with their abilities and aspirations.