Written answers

Tuesday, 4 December 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Advocacy Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed reforms of the Citizens Information Board as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32260/07]

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if is satisfied with the development of personal advocacy services for people with disabilities; and when he will commence the relative sections of the Citizen's Information Act 2007. [32210/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 145 together.

The Citizens Information Act 2007 provides for the establishment of a Personal Advocacy Service for certain people with disabilities to be administered by the Citizens Information Board.

The Personal Advocacy Service will assist the individuals concerned in identifying and understanding their needs and options with regard to a broad range of social services including health, social welfare, education, family support, housing, taxation, citizenship, consumer matters, employment and training, equality, asylum and immigration.

The development of advocacy services is a priority for my Department and in this regard additional funding of €1.9m has been provided for the Citizens Information Board in 2007 for the development of a personal advocacy service for people with disabilities and for the implementation of the Disability Sectoral Plan.

An organisational structure has been developed by the Citizens Information Board to meet the needs of the Personal Advocacy Service. Discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Citizens Information Board are ongoing in relation to these structures and the additional staffing resources required for the service. Temporary accommodation has been identified to facilitate the immediate needs of the service.

The commencement order for all sections of the Citizens Information Act, 2007, other than part of Section 4 and all of Section 5 has been signed into law. It is envisaged that the post of Director of the Personal Advocacy Service will be advertised shortly. The service will commence when the Director is appointed and the appropriate structures have been put in place. The establishment of the new service is on target to be up and running in the early part of 2008.

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