Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration has been given to the pre-budget submission 2006 launched by the Disability Federation of Ireland; the actions open to his Department in response to the submission in consultation with other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29717/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The main issue pertaining to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government which the Disability Federation of Ireland has raised in its 2006 pre-budget submission is the operation of the disabled person's housing grant. This scheme is under review in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the issues raised by the Disability Federation of Ireland will be considered in that context.

Funding for 2005 and 2006, totalling €15 million in each year, has been approved under the national disability strategy for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and bodies under its aegis for, inter alia, the provision of disability awareness training, initiation of the preparation of accessibility audits, adaptation of information systems and equipment for people with special needs, and providing and improving accessibility to public buildings and facilities. The provision is in addition to new works funded under normal capital programmes.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is also reviewing the outline sectorial plan published in 2004, following consultation with groups representative of persons with disabilities.