Vol. 490 No. 4
51 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the consideration, if any, he will give to the establishment of a one stop shop for parents of children with a mental handicap which would provide independent advice and information on the services and supports which are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10264/98]
Last November, the Government approved, in principle, the establishment on a statutory basis of a national disability authority and a disability support service. The Government also agreed to the formation by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, of an establishment group to prepare detailed proposals to be brought to Government within six months.
The approval for the establishment of a disability support service is in line with the findings of the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. The commission recommended the establishment of a disability support service, with a regional network to co-ordinate regional services and provide information, advice, support and advocacy to people with disabilities at local level in paragraph 4.3. It is envisaged that the role of the disability support service will include the provision of the type of support and information outlined by the Deputy for persons with disabilities, including those with a mental handicap.
The interdepartmental establishment group, which is chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is scheduled to report to Government during May 1998. It is not possible to anticipate the outcome of the Government's consideration of the establishment group's report at this stage.
