Employment quota for disabled workers
The Minister said no legislation requires employers to hire disabled workers; a voluntary public-sector target of 3% by 1983 is in place, and he is exploring ways to encourage private employers rather than compel them.
asked the Minister for Labour the proposals, if any, to amend legislation on the employment of handicapped workers; if he is aware of legislation in six of the nine EEC countries obliging employers to take on such handicapped workers and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
In my area of responsibility there is no legislation in force in regard to the employment of handicapped workers, and accordingly the question of reform of legislation does not arise. However, the Government have established a non-statutory scheme for the employment of a quota of disabled persons in the public sector. The target set is a quota of 3 per cent to be achieved over a period of five years. The introduction of this scheme followed consideration over a number of years of proposals for legislation to require all employers, both public and private, to employ a quota of disabled persons. However there was general opposition, especially from the voluntary organisations working in this field, to the idea of a compulsory scheme.
I am aware that a number of EEC countries have legislation requiring employers to take on a proportion of certain categories of disabled persons. It is not clear, however, that there is general satisfaction with these compulsory schemes. For example, I am informed that the British authorities are not satisfied with the operation of their present quota scheme and that a complete review is at present in progress including an investigation of possible alternatives to a quota system.
Comment on this
May we then anticipate that the Department will vigorously pursue the employment of people who have suffered this kind of handicap, at least to the degree of 3 per cent? When will this be commenced and what sort of plans has the Minister in that regard?
Comment on this
The Deputy will remember that the target was set for a 3 per cent quota by 1983. I have no reason to believe that the target will not be met. I share the Deputy's concern, and I am looking at possible ways to encourage private industry to help out rather than to force them by legislation.