Theresa Ahearn
Question:30 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when legislation will be introduced to establish a disability support service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11531/99]
Written Answers. - Disability Support Services.
I propose 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 will combine the National Social Service Board with the disability support service functions of the National Rehabilitation Board. The necessary legislation is currently being prepared with the Government's approval and I hope to publish this at an early date.
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 to a number of existing agencies or Government Departments.
The improvement of information and support services for people with disabilities was among the key recommendations contained in the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. The establishment of Comhairle will ensure that services for people with disabilities will become an integral part of an enhanced mainstream information, advice and advocacy service for all citizens, and utilising and building on the resources and expertise of both existing organisations.
The first board was appointed to Comhairle in November last year. This board will act as the board of the NSSB until the Comhairle legislation puts the new agency on a statutory basis.
The board includes five members nominated by my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to represent disability interests. This new agency will incorporate the resources of the NSSB and the relevant areas of the NRB and will support the provision of information throughout the country through all channels including the existing network of 85 citizens information centres, more than 400 third party information providers and, as appropriate, facilities currently operated under the aegis of the 18 regional centres.
The establishment of this new agency will not result in a diminution of services and any further requirements to meet increased demand will be examined at the appropriate time. Details of the proposed relocation of the NRB staff to the receiving agencies, including Comhairle, the National Disability Authority and FÁS, to which NRB staff will transfer, are being finalised at present. Existing accommodation resources of the NRB will be allocated as appropriate to the transfer of responsibilities.