The Government has approved the drafting of legislation to establish a new agency, to be known as Comhairle, which will be responsible for the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services throughout the country. This new agency, which will operate under the aegis of my Department, will combine the current functions of the National Social Service Board (NSSB) with relevant functions of the National Rehabilitation Board (NRB). The necessary legislation is currently being prepared and I hope to publish it later this year.
This move towards a new integrated agency follows a Government decision to replace the NRB with a new National Disability Authority and to transfer certain functions of the NRB to a number of existing agencies or Government Departments.