Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
148. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the work of the disability stakeholder group; the number of times that the group has met in 2022; the dates of these meetings; if the group has considered a report (details supplied) to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50720/22]
View answerThe Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG) is a voluntary group of individuals with expertise and lived experience of disability. It currently comprises 25 members, representing a range of perspectives within the disability community, and includes an independent Chairperson. The current members were appointed for a three year term beginning in January 2022.
The DSG has an important role in independently monitoring the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS), which is the key framework for policy and action to address the rights of persons with disabilities in Ireland. Through its actions, the NDIS supports effective progress in implementing the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with a Disability (UNCRPD).
Meetings of the DSG occur quarterly. These occur after the Departmental Consultative Committee meetings and before meetings of the NDIS Steering Group, which I chair as Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability. To date in 2022, the DSG have met on four occasions. February 1st, March 16th, June 7th, and September 8th 2022. The February meeting was an introductory meeting for the newly appointed DSG, and the other three meetings were part of the NDIS monitoring process. The next meeting of the group will take place on November 29th . Minutes of these meetings are published on the DSG website. Selected Members of the DSG attend Departmental Consultative Committees and all may attend the NDIS steering Group meetings.
In relation to the Report the Deputy has referred to, the Department of Social Protection commissioned Indecon to carry out research into the cost of disability in Ireland. The report produced by Indecon was published in November 2021. It provides an analysis of a range of additional costs faced by people with disabilities in Ireland. The Cost of Disability Report was referred to the NDIS by Government decision and presented to the Steering Group in December 2021.
The Programme for Government commits to the use the research into the cost of disability incurred by individuals and families to inform the direction of future policy. The findings have implications for many areas of public policy including the delivery of care services, health, housing, education, transport and income supports. This is why a whole-of-Government perspective is needed. Matters relating to the Report are a standing item at meetings of the NDIS Steering Group. DSG members have an opportunity to comment on the progress of Government Departments in this regard at meetings of the National Steering Group.
