Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
178 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals and objectives in his Department’s sectoral plan under the Disability Bill 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23308/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sectoral plans under the provisions of the Disability Bill 2004 form an integral part of the Government's national disability strategy which was launched on 21 September 2004. These plans will set out service provision for people with disabilities, the measures to facilitate access to these services and the planned improvements.
In common with the other Departments involved, my Department's sectoral plan was published in outline form in order to allow a period of consultation and discussion with relevant interests before the plan is finalised and laid before the Dáil for approval.
The objective of the outline sectoral plan prepared by my Department is to ensure that, as far as is practicable, the schemes and services we provide to people with disabilities operate in a manner which facilitates their full participation in society and meets the mainstreaming principle of the equality agenda.
The outline plan draws on the Department's statement of strategy 2003-05, which provides the framework for progressing and developing its services to customers. It gives a brief description of the range of schemes and services designed to meet the income support needs of people with disabilities and covers a range of issues including performance standards for claim processing, supports for people with disabilities to return to work or education, consultative processes designed to pro actively seek the views of people with disabilities, physical access to departmental premises, specific measures for visually or hearing impaired customers and the role of Comhairle in meeting the needs of people with disabilities, including the new personal advocacy service to be provided under the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004.
The sectoral plan will provide a focus for the future development of services for people with disabilities coming within my Department's remit and regular reporting on activities and improvements planned for the future.
