Seán Ryan
Question:46 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will report on the progress made in developing Comhairle's national information network especially for people with disabilities. [24983/00]
Written Answers. - National Information Network.
Comhairle was established on 12 June 2000. It combines the National Social Service Board and certain functions of the
National Rehabilitation Board. Comhairle is the national support agency responsible for the provision of information, advice and advocacy services to members of the public, including people with disabilities. It provides information and advice on the broad range of social servicesvia the national network of citizens information centres and the citizens information database. Comhairle also provides a range of additional resources and supports to information providers in the voluntary and statutory sectors.
Following its establishment, Comhairle, has made arrangements to deliver information services from its offices throughout the country to people who previously used the services of the National Rehabilitation Board. Comhairle continues to support the network of citizens information centres – 85 centres in all, 34 of which are being resourced to provide a full-time service. An access audit has been undertaken in relation to the 34 centres in the first instance and the next stage of that audit is an audit of the total network with a view to ensuring that all citizens information centres are accessible to people with disabilities.
While much of Comhairle's energies recently have been engaged in making the new merged organisation a fully operational unit, it is also addressing the issue of additional information requirements in relation to disability, including targeted approaches that would ensure that those who are most marginalised could access the information they required. Currently there is a programme of education and training for CIC staff in the area of equality, including disability. Comhairle has also been involved in discussions with organisations in the disability area in relation to ideas about the current level of service and future development.
It is intended that the network of citizens information centres will continue to be the main source of independent information and advice for all citizens including those with a disability.