David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Health and Children further to her Department's Disability Act 2005 sectoral plan, if the review of the plan due to take place in mid 2007 has been completed; if it has been published; if not, when she will publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8661/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Disability Act 2005 provides that reports on progress in implementing the Sectoral Plans should be completed at intervals of not more than three years from the date of publication. As the Health Sectoral Plan is the first step in a complex and constantly evolving process which will establish a baseline for access to health services and for service delivery and standards, the Department and the Health Service Executive committed to undertaking an annual review of progress in each of the first three years. The first review which was published in December 2007, is available on the Department's website.

This first review is an important step in moving forward the targets set in the Sectoral Plan. It represents an important opportunity to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are considered in all health policy planning and service delivery. The philosophy of inclusion outlined in the Sectoral Plan underpins the planning and delivery of services for people with disabilities and will drive measures to ensure that all general health services are accessible by people with disabilities.

This review summarises the achievements to date but most importantly it also includes new targets to be achieved over the next year, specifically in relation to planning for the parallel commencement of the Disability Act 2005 and the EPSEN Act 2004 for 5-18 year olds and adults. I have asked my Department to send the Deputy a copy of the Review for his information.