Much has been achieved in the disability area since this Government took office and I am committed to continuing the momentum that has been generated and to making further progress in this area.
Significant progress has been made, in particular, in the implementation of the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, A Strategy for Equality.
In November 1997 and in July 1998 we made significant announcements regarding the key infrastructural recommendations of the report relating to the establishment of a National Disability Authority (NDA) and a Disability Support Service.
Considerable progress has also been made towards achieving our commitments in relation to the issue of mainstreaming of training and employment services for people with disabilities as well as the provision of a comprehensive, accessible information service.
The establishment of a permanent representative council of people with disabilities is being facilitated and funded by my Department.
Six pilot community projects relating to people with disabilities are being funded by my Department, in line with the commission's recommendations. Four of these relate to access to information and participation in the local decision making process and two relate to the facilitation of cross-sectoral planning for delivery of services.
A plan of action on the rights of people with disabilities is currently being drafted by an interdepartmental taskforce. This plan is based on the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities and it is my intention to submit it to Government as soon as possible after it is finalised.
We are also establishing a monitoring committee under the aegis of my Department to progress the attainment of the 3 per cent target for the employment of people with disabilities in the public service.
In the 1998 budget, significant measures were adopted across a range of Government Departments which will impact favourably on the lives of people with disabilities. These apply in particular in the areas of health, education, environment and social, community and family affairs.
The Employment Equality Act, 1998, which impacts on disability, was signed by the President in June 1998. This legislation outlaws discrimination in employment on grounds of disability and its enactment gives people with disabilities the protection of the law for the first time in relation to access to employment and advancement within employment.