Written answers

Thursday, 12 February 2009

Department of Social and Family Affairs

National Disability Strategy

5:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on introducing a system whereby all people who have a significant disability could be recognised and provided with a smart card which could act as a passport to different entitlements across the tax, health, social welfare and other service systems and would facilitate easy access and make it simple for private sector agencies to offer concessions; if she will arrange to study systems in other countries where this type of recognition has been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5378/09]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, the National Disability Strategy and Towards 2016, and as reflected in the various Departmental Sectoral Plans published in 2006, the continued development of services for people with disabilities to ensure their financial security as well as their maximum participation in society is a key goal for the Government.

Given that the suggestion advanced by the Deputy extends beyond the realm of social welfare and would cover all age categories, any such development would appear to be contingent, in the first instance, on the availability of a comprehensive assessment of needs process for people with disabilities. This process is in course of being undertaken by the Department of Health and Children in the context of the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005. In light of the outcomes of that process, further consideration could then be given to the issue raised by the Deputy.

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