29 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he intends to proceed immediately with those aspects of the recommendations of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities which were identified as particularly urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12422/97]

The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities identified six areas requiring prompt attention with regard to implementing its recommendations. These relate to the establishing of a special programme for the replacement of existing sub-standard facilities being used by people with disabilities; funding for the Irish Council of People with Disabilities; revision of the EU Treaties; the shortage of sheltered work-places; the retention and resources of the Department of Equality and Law Reform and the accessibility of all new and used rail and rolling stock and road vehicles ordered for public transport from 1 January 1997.

These recommendations are being considered by the interdepartmental task force as part of its overall consideration of the Commission's report and its preparation of the plan of action on the rights of people with disabilities. However, there have been developments in relation to most of these issues already.