Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he intends to introduce the advocacy service for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17187/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of a personal advocacy service, aimed specifically at people with disabilities, is provided for in the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 published last September in conjunction with the Disability Bill 2004. The Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004 is intended to confer additional and enhanced functions on the national information agency, Comhairle, which will enable that agency to introduce a personal advocacy service specifically for people with disabilities.

The new service will provide for the assignment of a personal advocate to assist, support and represent the person with a disability in applying for and obtaining a social service and also in pursuing any right of review or appeal in connection with that service. As announced in this year's budget package, additional funding of €1 million has been provided to Comhairle this year to enable the groundwork to commence on the introduction of the new service. It is envisaged that the new personal advocacy service will be introduced in early 2008.