Vol. 498 No. 1
293 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when an accessible information service will be provided for people with disabilities; the way in which this service will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26491/98]
The provision of information in a clear, comprehensive and accessible format was one of the key recommendations contained in the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. The report highlighted the needs of people with disabilities across the full range of public services and recommended the establishment of a Disability Support Service which would act as a single point of contact for information, advice, support and advocacy for people with disabilities.
There are currently 18 disability resource centres operating under the responsibility of the National Rehabilitation Board. Each centre provides a wide range of information on services and entitlements and are located in areas to ensure that they are fully accessible by people with disabilities.
An Establishment Group for a National Disability Authority and Disability Support Service was set up by the Government in November 1997 to prepare detailed proposals for the establishment of a national disability authority and the future location of departmental responsibility for the National Rehabilitation Board, its staff and its assets. In its report published in July last, the group recommended that the requirements for a disability support service should be met through a merger of the National Social Service Board (NSSB) and appropriate information services of the National Rehabilitation Board into a new organisation.
This new organisation will provide an integrated information support service which will assist, advise and support all citizens. The establishment group was satisfied that this approach would meet the requirements of mainstreaming services for people with disabilities, in a costeffective manner which would ensure non-duplication of services.
The Government has accepted the establishment group's recommendation and the new service will operate under the aegis of my Department. It is my intention to bring legislation before the House early in the new year for the establishment of this new service.
