410 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to co-ordinate the responsibility of the Departments of Education and Health and their agencies to ensure that persons with a disability have equal access to primary, secondary and third level education including higher education grants and transport facilities.
The Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 acknowledges the position of people with a disability as equal citizens of the State. As Minister for Equality and Law Reform, my role in relation to persons with a disability will be essentially a co-ordinating one. I would hope to enhance, through sharpening their focus, the effectiveness of the various services provided by the Departments of Education, Health and Environment and their associated agencies.
I have already initiated the process of consulting the appropriate representative bodies and agencies in line with the Government's policy of trying to achieve the widest possible consensus and participation in decision-making. Discussions have also taken place between staff of my Department and officers of the Department of Health to explore how the proposals in the programme can best be implemented. Subjects under discussion include the degree of integration in current service arrangements, the effectiveness of the services provided, their impact on client groups, the implications which any changes may have and ensuring the clear definition of the two Departments' respective responsibilities in the future.
In the area of education, I would see my role also as a co-ordinating one, involving an ongoing process of consultation and co-operation with the Department of Education and the relevant representative bodies. This process will enable me to clarify the manner in which access to all levels of education can be enhanced for people with a disability.
In relation to the issue of access to transport, the programme accepts the need for capital spending in the medium term to improve access to the public transport system.
