In response to an invitation from Mr. John Moloney, Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, the National Federation prepared a discussion paper “Vision Statement for Intellectual Disability in Ireland for the 21st Century”. The paper was submitted to the Minister’s office for his consideration in April 2009. The discussion paper reflects on what a new vision might look like, the principles which should underpin it, the issues to be addressed in it, and our views on the design attributes of a policy document and of a policy development process.  A copy of this discussion document can be downloaded here.