National Disability Authority Act, 1999

Functions of Authority.

8.—(1) The principal function of the Authority shall be to advise the Minister and keep him or her informed of developments in relation to any disability of persons which concern issues of policy and practice and, in particular, developments which relate to the functions specified in subsection (2).

(2) The following shall be functions of the Authority:

(a) to act as a central, national body which will assist the Minister in the co-ordination and development of policy relating to persons with disabilities;

(b) to undertake, commission or collaborate in research projects and activities on issues relating to disability and to assist in the development of statistical information appropriate for the planning, delivery and monitoring of programmes and services for persons with disabilities;

(c) to advise the Minister on appropriate standards for programmes and services provided or to be provided to persons with disabilities and to act as an advisory body with regard to the development of general and specific standards in relation to such programmes and services;

(d) to monitor the implementation of standards and codes of practice in programmes and services provided to persons with disabilities and to report to the Minister thereon;

(e) to liaise with other bodies, both corporate and unincorporate, involved in the provision of services to persons with disabilities and to facilitate and support the development and implementation of appropriate standards for programmes and services for persons with disabilities;

(f) to prepare codes of practice in accordance with section 10 ;

(g) to recognise the achievement of good standards and quality in the provision of programmes and services to persons with disabilities including through the provision of a disability equality awards system;

(h) to prepare strategic plans in accordance with section 9 .

(3) The Authority may, subject to the other provisions of this Act, do anything which it considers necessary or expedient for enabling it to perform its functions.