asked the Minister for Labour if the scheme announced by him regarding reservation of 3 per cent of all public service jobs for the physically handicapped is the same scheme as suggested by his predecessor; if he will give details of how the scheme will be operated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

13.

asked the Minister for Labour the steps that have been taken concerning employment of the disabled in the public service.

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.

When does the Minister expect the first disabled person to be employed in the public service?

That is a separate question.

It is a separate question but if the Deputy wants to know, the committee broke up into four working parties. They have had a number of meetings and yesterday the second meeting of the full committee took place.