14 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the role envisaged for the Commission for the Status of People with Disabilities and the Council for the Status of People with Disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

19 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the composition of the proposed Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, if he intends to nominate a number of disabled persons to the membership of that Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

30 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform whether, in view of his recent stated intention to establish a Commission on Disability, he has drafted terms of reference for the Commission; whether provision has been made for funding and resourcing the Commission; and when he will expect the Commission's first report.

35 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, he has made in achieving his stated interest of a sharper focus and increased effectiveness in the delivery of the services provided by public sector agencies in relation to disabled persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 19, 30 and 35 together.

On 29 November, 1993, I announced the establishment of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. The Commission was launched on 8 December 1993.

The Commission is chaired by Mr. Justice Feargus Flood of the High Court and the membership is as follows:

The Terms of Reference of the Commission are:

(1) to advise the Government on practical measures necessary to ensure that people with a disability can exercise their rights to participate, to the fullest extent of their potential, in economic, social and cultural life;

(2) to examine the current situation of people with a disability and the organisation and adequacy of existing services, public and voluntary, to meet their needs;

(3) to make recommendations setting out necessary changes, in legislation, policies, organisations, practices and structures to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met in a cohesive, comprehensive and cost effective way;

(4) to establish the estimated costs of all recommendations made; and

(5) to report to the Government within a period of two years from the date of its establishment.

One of the priorities for the Commission will be to examine the adequacy of existing service provision and recommend initiatives in legislation, policy, organisation and structures to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met in a cohesive, comprehensive and costeffective manner.

The Commission will have an annual budget of approximately £75,000. A small secretariat is being provided to service the Commission.

The Council for the Status of People with Disabilities will serve as a forum for discussion of all issues affecting people with disabilities and will keep under review progress towards the general improvement in their situation. My Department will facilitate the establishment of the council and I expect the Commission would also wish to make an input.

Will the Minister state whether there is a question of duplication as far as the council is concerned? What is the need for two bodies?

There is a mirror image between the Commission for the Status of People with Disabilities and the Commission for the Status of Women. The role of the commission is to prepare a comprehensive report within two years as in the case of the Second Commission on the Status of Women, then it will cease to exist. On the other hand, the Council for the Status of People with Disability is the mirror image for the Council for the Status of Women, an organisation which monitors progress on a continuing basis.

I thank the Minister for his reply. It is important to have the commission and a council to monitor future progress. Will the Minister specify how the commission proposes to examine the area relating to the employment of people with disability? The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment that the Government will reach the quota for employing those with a physical disability. Will the Minister go ahead with the commitments in the programme for Government or await the report of the commission and its recommendations?

There is a question on the Order Paper dealing with the employment of people with disability. There is no question of holding up any legislation or project because of setting up this commission. The preparation of legislation dealing with disadvantaged categories of people in the context of employment and supplying goods and services is proceeding in my Department. The legislation will not await the findings of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities but, obviously, there will be an extensive exchange of views and consultation between my Department and the commission to try to hone it and make it effective to advance all aspects of the lives of people with disabilities.