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“I want to thank all of you. I know that you invested a great deal of work and the issue that you dealt with is very important. I can assure you that this will not remain a mere document but will be acted upon. I intend to submit the issue for Cabinet approval very soon.
I am pleased to receive the report of the public committee regarding the handicapped and the promotion of their integration into society. I want to thank retired Judge Ephraim Laron and all of the members of the honored committee for the long hours that you dedicated to the issue and for the welcome and energetic work that you did.
As I have stated more than once, the policy of my government is to encourage urgent economic reforms, especially those which encourage integration into the work economy. On this issue, it appears that Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I share the same approach. At the same time, the Government is trying, as much as possible, to focus the assistance the state gives on the neediest populations. Thus the Government did when it approved the agreement that was reached with representatives of the disabled on significantly increasing disability payments to the severely disabled despite the budgetary situation. It will be recalled that in the context of that agreement, I acted to establish a public committee to inquire into all issues regarding the lives of the disabled in society, the committee whose recommendations I am pleased to receive today.
I ascribe great importance to improving the situation of the disabled and fully integrating them in society. In a modern society, there is no reason why the disabled cannot take an active part in economic and social life. Therefore, I am pleased to see that you greatly invested in promoting solutions to removing constraints in the area of employment. Beyond the direct influence that employment has on the economic welfare of the disabled, this will add content to the lives of everyone and improve the sense of accomplishment and belonging.
I intend to submit this report for Cabinet approval very soon. Moreover, I intend to establish a committee chaired by Welfare Ministry Director-General Dov Goldberg to monitor the implementation of the recommendations that are approved and – on behalf of the Government – verify the progress in implementing these important issues.
Thank you again and a Happy Passover.
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