Towards 2016 - Department of Taoiseach

It is envisaged that the initial transfer of non-Supplementary Welfare Allowance schemes from theHSE to the Department of Social and Family Affairs will take place in the first half of 2009. Thelegislative basis for the transfer of these schemes is being provided for in the Social Welfare andPensions Act, 2008.Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Affairs Sectoral PlanHousing Group for people with DisabilitiesWork has commenced on the development of a National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability.A protocol governing liaison between the HSE and the housing authorities on the assessment of theaccommodation needs of people with a disability is being implemented. Work continues on thedevelopment of a protocol governing support costs for housing projects provided for people with adisability.Department of Social and Family Affairs Sectoral PlanThe Citizens Information Board advertised the post of Director, Personal Advocacy Service inDecember 2007.Department of Transport Sectoral PlanPublic Transport AccessibilityThe second Progress Report (July to December 2007) on the implementation of Transport Access forAll was discussed by the National Disability Strategy Stakeholders Monitoring Group meeting on 29January, 2008.34. Implementation of the Lifecycle ApproachPromoting Social FinanceThe Towards 2016 Social Finance Advisory Group has been established by the Department of theTaoiseach and held its first meeting in November 2007.CHAPTER IV – Implementation ArrangementsDATA/InformationThe second meeting of the Technical Advisory Group for OSI was held on the 6 February, 2008.Integrating Delivery at Local LevelThe Indecon Review of the County/City Development Board Strategic Reviews and Proposals forStrengthening and Developing the Boards has recently been completed and will be submitted toGovernment for approval in February 2008.National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007 – 2016Developing the Lifecycle ApproachFollowing a consultative meeting with Social Partners, the first annual Social Inclusion Report waslaunched by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs at the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) on 15November, 2007. As part of the European Union Social Exclusion Programme a Peer Review of theSIF was undertaken, details available at http://www.peer-review-social-inclusion.net/peerreviews/2007/the-napinclusion-social-inclusion-forum.15