Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Murphy-O'Mahony for tabling this very important question. A Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to review the role of the National Disability Authority. This is a good opportunity to review the role and functions of the National Disability Authority and to consider whether changes are appropriate in the context of the changes in Irish society and the position of people with disabilities since its establishment in 1999. I am committed to ensuring that the review process will be open, objective and consultative and will be undertaken with participation by all relevant stakeholders, including the authority board and staff interests.

As the Deputy will be aware, we are in the process of finalising a new national disability inclusion strategy and I believe it is appropriate that the review be undertaken in the context of the new strategy's priorities. The new strategy will be in place shortly, and I anticipate that we will then be able to commence the review of the authority, with the first step being to scope out terms of reference soon afterwards.

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