David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 654: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the person who has overall responsibility for the national disability strategy launched by him in September 2004, in particular the person who has a co-ordinating role in regard to the Departmental sectoral plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11129/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Preparation of the national disability strategy has been guided by the Cabinet committee on social inclusion. The approach recognises the crosscutting nature of the issues and elements involved. The committee will continue in its work as the elements of the strategy are being put in place.

The national disability strategy was launched by the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, on 21 September 2004. The launch involved seven Ministers with direct responsibility for the various elements of the strategy. The strategy has been advanced by a cross-departmental group of senior officials reporting to the Cabinet committee and comprises four elements, namely: the Disability Bill 2004, which is the direct responsibility of my colleague, Deputy Fahey, Minister of State in my Department with responsibility for disability equality; the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs; six outline sectoral plans which are the responsibility of the Ministers for Health and Children, Social and Family Affairs, Transport, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and a multi-annual investment programme, from 2005 to 2009, providing over €1 billion for high priority disability support services, mainly in the health and education areas, which was announced as part of the budget on 1 December 2004.

My Department has overall responsibility for the Disability Bill. The Bill commenced Second Stage in the Dáil on 4 November last and has been debated on 18 November 2004, 27 January 2005, 1 February 2005 and 22 February 2005, with further sessions scheduled for today and tomorrow. It is hoped that this Stage will be completed soon and that Committee Stage will commence as soon as possible thereafter.

The Disability Bill requires that each of the six sectoral plan Departments undertake consultation with stakeholders before the plans are finalised for submission to the Oireachtas. The National Disability Authority is arranging a series of regional meetings to facilitate public information and consultation on the outline sectoral plans which will take place as follows: 25 April 2005 — Tullamore Court Hotel; 9 May 2005 — Burlington Hotel, Dublin; 16 May 2005 — Silver Springs Hotel, Cork; 20 May 2005 — Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon; and 27 May 2005 — Radisson Hotel, Limerick.

The meetings have been advertised and participation is open to people with disabilities and their families, carers, advocates and service providers.