David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has begun development of a national housing strategy for people with disabilities as outlined in his Department's sectoral plan; if not, when he expects this process to begin; the organisations, groups and so on which are, or will be, involved in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35187/07]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has recently commenced work on the development of a national housing strategy for people with a disability in line with a commitment under my Department's sectoral plan. The strategy is being progressed by a National Advisory Group under the aegis of the Housing Forum, headed by my Department and involving the Department of Health and Children, the Health Services Executive, social partners and other relevant stakeholders including the National Disability Authority. I formally launched the National Advisory Group on 30 October 2007.

The strategy, which will be developed by end 2009, will support the provision of tailored housing and housing supports for people with a disability and have particular regard to adults with significant disabilities and people who experience mental health issues. A full list of the organisations represented on the National Advisory Group is set out as follows.

Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government

Department of Health and Children

Health Service Executive

County and City Managers Association

Homeless Agency

Mental Health Ireland

Mental Health Commission

National Disability Authority

Disability Federation of Ireland

Inclusion Ireland

National Federation of Voluntary bodies

People with Disabilities in Ireland

Irish Council for Social Housing

Not for Profit Business Association

Community and Voluntary Pillar

Irish Congress of Trade Unions

Former Assistant County Manager, Cork

Chair Macroom Senior Citizens Housing Development Ltd