Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2009
755 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question Nos. 603 and 604 of 22 April 2009, the status of these proposals; the date by which he expects each of these proposals to be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29578/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department approved funding for 2009 totalling €12 million to local authorities and bodies under its aegis to continue a programme of work begun in 2005 under the National Disability Strategy. My Department has written to all Local Authorities informing them of their allocations. Local authorities and other public bodies have a key role in implementing the requirements of the Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The funding will assist them in continuing the invaluable work of providing for the needs of those with disabilities and seeking to meet these needs in the most efficient manner possible. It will be used to provide disability awareness training and undertake accessibility audits, adapt information systems and equipment for people with disabilities, and to provide and improve, where needed, accessibility to public buildings, roads and pavements, parks, amenities, heritage sites and other public areas for which local authorities have responsibility. The process to bring about the merger of the Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board is at an advanced stage. As indicated previously, the question of underpinning legislation will be finalised in the second half of 2009. Operational arrangements are at an advanced stage. Decisions have been taken regarding the location of the merged body, and the implications of these have been communicated to all staff. The process for the recruitment of the Chief Executive Officer of the merged organisation is in hand, with an appointment expected in the last quarter of 2009. Proposals for the design of the new organisation have been developed, and staff in both organisations are co-operating at a practical level on a daily basis.
