Vol. 570 No. 4
306 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider widening the remit of the National Disability Authority to include voluntary groups representing individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [19215/03]
The National Disability Authority was established under the National Disability Authority Act 1999. The authority is an independent statutory body with key functions in regard to the development and monitoring of standards in services for people with disabilities. This remit has been broadly framed to encompass disability services generally.
In the area of health services, I understand that the National Disability Authority is working in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children to assist that Department in developing future standards in health services. Issues relating to the provision of health services and supports for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, are a matter for the Department of Health and Children. In addition, regarding mental health, the Deputy should note that the recently established Mental Health Commission has a specific function in relation to standards for mental health services.
