§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he plans to review provisions for employment of disabled persons in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ViggersThe Department of Economic Development is at present reviewing provisions for the employment of disabled persons in Northern Ireland and as part of this review is participating in a working group712W with the Northern Ireland Council on Disability. Consideration will also be given to the application in Northern Ireland of any changes which emanate from the review which is currently being undertaken by the Department of Employment in Great Britain.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken to date to ensure that employers provide work opportunities for the quota of disabled persons.
§ Mr. ViggersUnder existing legislation, employers with a work force of 20 or more people are required to employ a quota of 3 per cent. of registered disabled people. Only when a firm can satisfy the Department of Economic Development that there is no suitable registered disabled person available is a permit issued allowing the firm to employ a non-disabled worker. In their annual directors' report, all companies employing an average of more than 250 people must include a statement describing their employment policy towards the disabled in the previous financial year. A range of financial schemes are also available to assist employers in training and employing disabled people.
Disablement resettlement officers in the Department of Economic Development maintain close contact with employers to provide advice and encourage the employment of disabled people.