§ Rev. William McCreaasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many handicapped persons are employed in each of the Government departments in Northern Ireland; and what plans there are to increase this number.
§ Dr. BoysonThe number of registered disabled persons employed in Government Departments and their associated non-departmental public bodies in Northern Ireland on 1 January 1984, the last date for which figures are readily available, is shown below. There are no specific plans to increase the present number of disabled employees, but in its recruitment policy the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commission makes provision within the principles of fair and open competition for the special problems which disabled persons may encounter.
Department/Body Number of registered disabled at 1 January 1984 Agriculture 45 Economic Development 22 Education 8 Environment 155 Exchequer and audit 1 Finance and Personnel 10 Health and Social Services 64 Northern Ireland Office 12 Police Authority, Northern Ireland 20 Probation Board, Northern Ireland 4 341