Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:381 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the National Disability Authority in regard to its powers and funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3008/00]
Written Answers. - National Disability Authority.
The main powers and functions of the National Disability Authority, NDA, are set out in sections 7, 8, 10, 13, 14 and 15 of the National Disability Authority Act, 1999. The authority is expected to be established on a statutory basis on the dissolution of the National Rehabilitation Board which is expected to take place in the first half of this year.
Section 7 establishes the authority as an independent statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Section 8 provides that the principal function of the authority shall be to advise the Minister and keep him or her informed of developments in the areas which concern issues of policy and practice in relation to people with disabilities. The authority is also charged with assisting the Minister in the co-ordination and development of policy, the undertaking of research, acting as an advisory body on the development of standards in programmes and services and monitoring the implementation of standards and codes of practice.
Section 10 provides that the authority may draw up codes of practice. Section 13 gives the authority right of access to information relevant to its functions which is held by a public body. Section 14 empowers the authority to seek information concerning a programme or service from those responsible for its provision. Section 15 requires the authority to report to the Minister on an annual basis and in any additional cases where it thinks fit and further empowers the authority to recommend to the Minister that funding provided for programmes and services be the subject of review, reduction or withdrawal.
The budgetary allocation for the NDA is approximately £2 million for the year 2000.