I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 to 186, inclusive, together.
The three consultation workshops which were held in May 2006 focused specifically on the area of assessment of need. Around 300 people were invited and over 200 attended over the three days. The key themes which were discussed during the February conference on the assessment of need process were also discussed at these sessions, which provided an opportunity for a broader range of people with disabilities to have an input into the process. The key themes were: the Assessment of Need process; building on best practice to deliver on obligations under the Disability legislation; and strengthening the links "on the ground" i.e. links between education, other statutory bodies and HSE. The views expressed during the consultation as a whole fed into the development of the Department's and the HSE's thinking in relation to assessment of need process.
They were particularly helpful in the preparation of the part of my Department's Sectoral Plan which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005. The Department also worked with the Department of Education and Science, the HSE and the National Council for Special Education in the preparation of the arrangements for the implementation of this Part. The Sectoral Plan for the Department will be published within the next two to three weeks.