David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 238: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 31 January 2006, if the programme of consultation between her Department and the Health Service Executive in relation to the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 has been completed; the conclusions of the consultation programme; if the drafting of the necessary regulations provided for in Part 2 has begun; the timescale for the full commencement of the provisions of Part 2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16584/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The programme of consultation with key stakeholders in relation to Part 2 of the Disability Act is still underway. As a part of that consultation process, a conference was held in Mullingar in February 2006 specifically focusing on the area of assessment of need. The conference brought together representatives of the major stakeholders in the area of disability, including service providers and representatives of people with a disability. A discussion paper has been produced on foot of the conference to facilitate the broader consultation process currently taking place.

A series of three consultation workshops will be held during May 2006 in Dublin, Carrick on Shannon and Cork. Those invited include all of the major voluntary bodies representing people with disabilities. It is expected that at the conclusion of these meetings over 400 people will have participated in the consultation process.

The ongoing preparatory work with the HSE, Department of Education and Science and the National Council for Special Education which I referred to in my earlier reply is continuing. The outcome of the consultation process, together with the other preparatory work will provide the basis for drafting the necessary regulations provided for in Part 2 and inform my Department in relation to the timescale for commencement of the provisions of Part 2.

Under Sections 31 and 32 of the Disability Act my Department is required to prepare a Sectoral Plan for the implementation of the Act. Work on this plan is currently underway.