The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O'Donoghue, is to appoint a steering group to finalise the preparation of a constitution for the permanent Irish Council of People with Disabilities.
The steering group will also restructure the organisation and oversee the election of a permanent council, as well as ensuring that people with disabilities are empowered to participate in the elections.
In particular, the group will support the 30 county networks currently operating as part of the interim Irish council, a voluntary representative body funded in the main by the Exchequer.
The establishment of the steering group was recommended by management consultants appointed by the Department following the discovery of management difficulties in the interim council.
The Minister said the Government was committed to ensuring people with disabilities had a strong independent voice.