Minister and unions to discuss Blindcraft future

Health Minister Micheál Martin is due to meet SIPTU officials this morning to discuss the Government's plans to close down Blindcraft, a state agency that provides jobs to blind workers.

Health Minister Micheál Martin is due to meet SIPTU officials this morning to discuss the Government's plans to close down Blindcraft, a state agency that provides jobs to blind or visually impaired workers.

The company employs 36 people at its factory in the Inchicore area of Dublin, 26 of whom are blind or visually impaired. The staff make wicker baskets and orthopaedic beds and repair French cane furniture.

SIPTU spokeswoman Patricia King said many of these workers were worried they wouldn’t be able to find work elsewhere.

"They would not get the same options as people in other circumstances losing their jobs," she said.