Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
I am aware of the great difficulties facing people with disabilities in obtaining employment and my department, together with the National Rehabilitation Board (NRB), operates a range of measures to improve employment prospects for people with disabilities. One such measure is the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities. This programme which was set up for a three year period in 1994 provides for the employment of people with disabilities in viable business enterprises. One of the conditions of participation was that at least 50 per cent of the employees were people with disabilities. There are currently seven enterprises participating in the programme employing 177 people with disabilities. This programme is currently being evaluated. On receipt of this evaluation which will be completed shortly, I will be in a position to make a decision regarding the future of the programme.