Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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360. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures her Department will take to recommit to the full implementation of the national disability strategy. [36454/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department is currently engaging in a consultation process on a new Disability Inclusion Strategy.

My Department sent out a call for submissions in relation to phase 1 of the consultation process. This phase of the process was to identify priority themes for inclusion in the new Strategy. We received a total of 24 submissions, 7 from individuals and 17 from organisations. We are examining the submissions received in relation to the first part of the process.

Meaningful consultation as well as participation by people with disabilities was a common thread in these submissions. I have always believed in listening to those who wish to contribute to any discussion about matters that affect them. This is why the next stage of the consultation process will include regional consultation meetings. We expect to be in a position to announce the next stage of the process very shortly. This phase – Phase 2 - will move on to look at key objectives under each of the themes we have already identified for the new Inclusion Strategy.