Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
151 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has for the development of an advocacy service for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23305/04]
View answerThe introduction of a personal advocacy service aimed specifically at people with disabilities is a key element of the Government's national disability strategy designed to underpin the participation of people with disabilities in society. The new service is provided for in the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 which was published on 29 September last in conjunction with the Disability Bill 2004 and the outline sectoral plans for six Departments.
Under the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, the new personal advocacy service for people with disabilities, which will be administered by the national information agency, Comhairle, will provide for the assignment of a personal advocate to a person with a disability who is unable or who has difficulty in obtaining a social service without the assistance or support of the personal advocate. The main function of the personal advocate will be to assist, support and represent the person with a disability in applying for and obtaining a social service and also in pursuing any right of review or appeal in connection with that service.
The Bill also provides for the appointment of personal advocates and a director of the new service who will be responsible for the management and control of the service and report to the chief executive of Comhairle.
Comhairle already has a statutory remit in supporting the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services in relation to the broad range of social services and for that reason I am pleased that this new personal advocacy service will be administered by Comhairle.
I believe that the position of people with disabilities will be improved significantly through the introduction of this new service and I look forward to the speedy passage of the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill through the Oireachtas.
