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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s first report (which cover the period to October 1998), as well as the Social Welfare Act (1992) and the Disabled Persons Act (1992). The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the application of the Convention in practice, as requested under Part V of the report form, in particular for the following points.

Article 2 of the Convention. Please provide information on specific policies enacted by the National Board for Disabled Persons or other governmental bodies responsible for promoting the rehabilitation and the employment of disabled persons.

Article 3. The Committee notes the information supplied on the number of participants in each category of vocational training provided by the three national centres. It would be grateful if the Government would further describe in its next report the manner in which employment opportunities for disabled persons are promoted in the labour market (number of participants who subsequently obtain suitable employment, progress made in increasing the number of participants, etc.).

Article 4. Please provide any indications on the application of section 9(2)b) of the Disabled Act or any other promotional measures adopted in order to encourage the hiring of persons with disabilities. Please continue to supply information on measures taken to ensure equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of vocational rehabilitation and employment for men and women with disabilities.

Article 7. The Committee recalls the importance of including persons with disabilities in the mainstream employment services, to the extent possible. Please provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to integrate workers with disabilities in existing training and placement services in order to secure, retain and advance in employment.

Article 8. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is working to establish and develop vocational rehabilitation in rural areas and remote communities, but has not yet succeeded. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to report on any progress made in developing rehabilitation services in rural and remote areas.

Article 9. Please provide more information on the specific training and the availability of suitably qualified staff dealing with rehabilitation and placement of disabled persons.