Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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576. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied) regarding disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30613/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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The existing Disability Strategy Implementation Plan covers the period up to end-2015 and we have commenced a consultation process with all relevant stakeholders with a view to putting a revised National Disability Inclusion Strategy in place as from early 2016. This is a 3 phase consultation process. Phase 1 - which focussed on identification of key themes - has recently been completed and the submissions received are currently being analysed with the assistance of the National Disability Authority. Phase 2 will build on this analysis and focus on high-level objectives under each theme. The Department will shortly commence formal consultations with stakeholders with a view to identifying and agreeing these high-level objectives for the years 2016 to 2019. As well as seminars and meetings with organisations at national level, the consultation process at Phase 2 will include a series of regional public meetings to allow maximum participation by anyone interested in contributing to the development of a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy.

Phase 3 will follow on with a focus on agreeing specific actions and timelines in relation to each objective. In very brief summary, my objective is to ensure a rigorous focus on identifying the key themes that impact on the lives of people with disabilities, on identifying agreed objectives within each theme and on developing specific actions to be undertaken to achieve each of the agreed objectives, together with timelines and key performance indicators so that the new Strategy will make a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities. When I launched the overall consultation process in May last, I made the point that we have an opportunity for the first time in many years now to address the issues of concern to people with disabilities in a sustained way. The submission concerned is a welcome contribution to this review of disability strategy and I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders in that process.

I might also mention that the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, which I chair, and which comprises representatives from across Government Departments, representatives from the City and County Managers Association, the National Disability Authority, a broad range of disability organisations and a number of individuals appointed in their personal capacity to bring their lived experience to the table, will have a central role in shaping the new National Disability Inclusion Strategy.