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1. Implementation of a national policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2005 describing the activities carried out by the Ministry of Labour and the National Council for the Disabled (CONADES). Furthermore, the Committee notes that on 30 January 2006 the Labour Code was amended to establish that public or private employers with a minimum number of 25 workers are under the obligation to hire at least one person with disabilities on a permanent basis in work considered appropriate in relation to their experience, physical condition and individual aptitudes, in observance of the principles of equality, gender and diversity of disability. As from the second year from which the new provisions are in force, such persons must account for 1 per cent of the total number of workers, 2 per cent in the third year, 3 per cent in the fourth year and reaching 4 per cent of the total number of workers in the fifth year, with this percentage applying in all successive years. The Committee notes with interest the legislative initiatives and practical activities carried out and requests the Government to continue providing information in its next report on the results achieved in terms of the integration of persons with disabilities into the open labour market (Article 2 of the Convention).

2. Consultation of representative organizations of employers and workers. The Committee refers to its previous comments and recalls the importance of the consultation of occupational organizations on the implementation of the policy of vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities. The Committee once again expresses interest in being provided with information on the consultations held with the occupational organizations of employers and workers in relation to the measures taken to promote cooperation and coordination between public and private institutions engaged in vocational rehabilitation activities (Article 5).