Vol. 491 No. 2
60 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he will ensure that the chairperson of the National Disability Authority and 60 per cent of its members will be people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11532/98]
In November 1997, the Government announced its intention to establish a national disability authority, NDA, and a disability support service, DSS. It also announced the formation of an establishment group chaired by an assistant secretary at my Department, tasked with the preparation of detailed proposals for setting up the NDA, the future location of departmental responsibility for training and employment of people with disabilities and other related issues, and the reallocation of staff and resources to meet the requirements of the new authority for submission to Government within six months.
It would not be appropriate for me to anticipate the recommendations of the establishment group. The Government will make its decisions known following the receipt of the report from the establishment group.
