Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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171. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to support a matter (details supplied) regarding disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1609/16]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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I am currently preparing a revised National Disability Inclusion Strategy with a view to having it in place by early 2016. This involves a 3 phase exercise. Phases 1 and 2 involving the identification of key themes and building on those through a broad consultation process to produce high-level objectives for the years 2016 - 2019 have been competed. Phase 3 will focus on agreeing specific actions and time frames in relation to each objective. In summary, my aim 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 time frames and key performance indicators so that the new Strategy will make a real difference to the lives of people with disabilities.

I welcome the positive engagement of all stakeholders in the process so far including their participation in the first round of public meetings and in the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group and look forward to continuing to work with all interested parties in completing and delivering the Strategy.

Furthermore, in autumn 2014, I launched the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with Disabilities. The aim of this strategy was to ensure that the barriers faced by those living with a disability in finding employment could be addressed. I appointed Fergus Finlay as the independent chairperson of the strategy's implementation committee to ensure that the government is provided with regular updates on the strategy's progression.