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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what role those with learning disabilities, and their carers and families, have in the planning and commissioning of health services in the Province. [194522] Angela Smith: Each of the four Health and Social Services Boards has a strategy for the development of learning disability services in their areas. These have been developed through consultation with people with a learning disability and their carers. In a number of Health and Social Services Trust areas there are groups of people with a learning disability and carers who are consulted on local service development. Local advocacy services are being developed, as resources permit, for those with communication difficulties to enhance this process. The Learning Disability Working Committee, which is reviewing learning disability policy and services, has a person with a learning disability and a carer in its membership. It has also established two reference groups, one for people with a learning disability and the other for carers, to inform its work. The Committee has consulted widely with people with a learning disability and their carers through public meetings staged at venues around the Province.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

194522; 426 c335-6W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Carers Health services Learning disability Northern Ireland Public participation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk