Vol. 498 No. 1
323 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the interdepartmental task force will report on the implementation of the report, Towards an Independent Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26547/98]
A plan of action on the rights of people with disabilities, based on the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities is being prepared by an inter-departmental task force. The deliberations of the task force will also comprehend the report of the Review Group on Health and Personal Social Services for People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities, entitled, Towards an Independent Future. The plan is to be presented to me by the end of February next and it is my intention to submit it to Government as soon as possible thereafter.
324 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a monitoring committee to progress the attainment of the three per cent target for the employment of people with disabilities in the public service will be established; the proposed membership in this regard; when a report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26548/98]
My Department is currently in the process of establishing an interdepartmental committee to oversee the achievement of the 3 per cent target for the employment of people with disabilities in the broader public service. This committee will comprise of a nominee from each appropriate Government Department. In addition each Department has been requested to establish a committee of those senior executives in the various bodies under its aegis who have responsibility for the implementation of the 3 per cent target in order to create and maintain impetus towards achieving that goal.
It is hoped that the first meeting of the interdepartmental committee will take place early in 1999.
