Sir, - The Government recently approved:
the setting up of a new National Disability Authority;
the transfer of responsibility for certain vocational training and employment services from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment;
the establishment of a new organisation to provide information, advice and related services at local level. It will, effectively, be an amalgamation of the Disability Support Service of NRB and the National Social Service Board (NSSB).
NRB welcomes these developments, which we and others have been advocating and working towards for many years. They flow from the work of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities.
However, the announcement of the changes has given rise to concerns among people with disabilities, families, voluntary and other organisations about the future of NRB services.
We would like to reassure those who have phoned or written, and all those availing of NRB's hearing, occupational guidance, training, job placement and other services that these services continue to be provided as before.
Future changes in the way these services are delivered are intended to build on existing services. They will, naturally, take time to implement. Everyone will be notified well in advance of their happening. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Arthur O'Reilly,
Chief Executive,
NRB,
Clyde Road,
Dublin 4.