Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Sections 31 to 37 outline the content of the six sectoral plans of Departments and section 35 relates specifically to the sectoral plan of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Disability Legislation Consultation Group, DLCG, at a recent meeting with the Taoiseach and myself sought to have this section reviewed so that it would be consistent with the approach taken to other sectoral plans, which allows those plans to deal with matters that the Minister concerned deems appropriate.

Having reviewed the provision in consultation with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I now present Government amendments Nos. 47 to 49, inclusive, which seek to amend section 35 so that the sectoral plan can also deal with any other matter which the Minister considers appropriate. This will ensure that the requirements are consistent with those of the five other Departments that will draw up sectoral plans.