Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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342. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the status of the work of the inter-departmental committee on disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5889/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am taking it that the Deputy is referring to the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) and to the group overseeing the implementation of Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities published by Government in October last.

The NDSIG, chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for disability policy, comprises representatives from across Government Departments, local government, 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. The Group serves a central role in shaping the new National Disability Inclusion Strategy currently under preparation and in respect of which my Department is undertaking a wide ranging consultation process with relevant stake holders. Phases 1 and 2 of the consultation process involving the identification of key themes and high level objectives have been completed and Phase 3 focusing on agreeing specific actions and time frames for each objective will start shortly with a view to launching the final strategy document by early summer.

Given the complex cross-government nature of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities, an oversight implementation group has been established under the independent chairmanship of Fergus Finlay. The group, which is drawn from representatives of disability organisations, Government Departments and the National Disability Authority generally meets bimonthly and is tasked with monitoring the progress of the six strategic priorities of the Strategy ensuring that each Government Department is fulfilling its obligations and meeting its targets. In addition to monitoring delivery the group will make periodic reports to relevant Ministers and Government updating them on progress.