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Minister O’Keeffe launches National Group to advise on the development of a National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability

25/10/07

 
A new  National Group which will advise on the development and implementation of a national housing strategy for people with a disability is being launched today (25 Oct 2007) by the Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas, Mr Batt O’Keeffe TD. The first meeting of the group will take place on 30 October 2007.

The development of a national housing strategy for people with a disability forms part of an overall strategic response to the housing needs of people with a disability, as outlined in the Government’s Housing Policy Statement, "Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities", which was published earlier this year.  The Minister said, “the development and implementation of this housing strategy, combined with, inter alia, the development of protocols to facilitate inter agency cooperation between the Housing Authorities and the Health Service Executive, and the reform of the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme will ensure that my Department continues to address, within the housing sector, the specific needs of people with a disability”.

The National Group, which is chaired by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has been established under the aegis of the Housing Forum and involves the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, the National Disability Authority, social partners, a number of organisations representing people with a disability and other relevant stakeholders.

In convening the Group the Minister added, “this Government is very much aware of the need to provide good quality and accessible housing for people with a disability.  The national housing strategy will reflect the diverse housing needs of people with a disability and ensure that the appropriate structures and supports, to effectively deliver on these accommodation needs, are in place”.

The national housing strategy, which will have particular regard to adults with significant disabilities and people who experience mental health issues, will be developed and implemented by end 2009.

ENDS

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