There has been substantial progress in the development of services for people with disabilities based broadly on the proposals outline in the Green Paper. However, since the publication of the Green Paper, there have been two fundmental reviews of the services — the "Planning for the Future" report in the case of psychiatric services published in December 1984 and the report of the review group on mental handicap services which will be published later this month.
The Programme for Economic and Social Progress envisages a seven year programme for the further development of community based services for people with disabilities, such as hostels, home help-nursing, day care and respite care facilities. Legislation is not required to give effect to the recommendations contained in these reports in or indeed to the United Nations declarations on disability. However, my Department are at present considering, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, how best the rights of people with disabilities can be promoted. With regard to mental illness, and the protection of people with a mental handicap, I am reviewing existing legislation with a view to bringing forward a discussion document on this matter.
