86 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Social Welfare the action, if any, he will be taking in response to the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. [22169/96]

The report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities was published last week.

Arising from the findings in the report, the Government has decided to prepare a plan of action on the rights of people with disabilities. The Minister for Equality and Law Reform has also been authorised to establish a monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the commission's recommendations. The monitoring committee will comprise organisations representing people with disabilities, their families and carers and service providers. In addition, social partners and Government Departments, including my own Department, will be represented on the monitoring committee.

The Minister for Equality and Law Reform will also be establishing an interdepartmental task force to prepare the Government's plan of action. When this has been agreed I will be in a position to indicate the steps which my Department will take to implement those recommendations for which my Department has responsibility.