I welcome the publication of the National Disability Authority's Strategic Plan, 2001-2003. The plan sets out the authority's mission and vision for the future, together with the core values which will guide its work for the next three years.
As one of its strategic priorities, the authority proposes to develop policies that promote the equal status of people with disabilities. In this connection the authority will be engaging with Departments to agree a target-based approach for implementing change in key strategic areas of public policy.
I look forward to co-operating with the National Disability Authority in its work and my Department is already developing a close relationship with the authority on matters of mutual interest relating to people with disabilities.