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The First Meeting of the Central Council on Promotion of Measures for Persons with Disabilities Friday, May 20, 2005 JAPANESE The first meeting of the Central Council on Promotion of Measures for Persons with Disabilities was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. This Central Council on Promotion of Measures for Persons with Disabilities has been newly established inside the Cabinet Office based on the provision of the Fundamental Law for People with Disabilities, which was amended in June 2004 by a member's bill. It is comprised of 30 members including 12 persons with disabilities and another three with a family member with disabilities. The members are to exchange opinions on the establishment and revision of the Basic Plan for Persons with Disabilities. At the meeting on this day, introduction was given on all 30 members as well as Mr. Takanobu Kyogoku, the Director-General of the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, was appointed as chair. In his address, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "There is still a lack of understanding towards social participation of people with disabilities. I intend to effectively utilize this Council to enhance the measures for and welfare of people with disabilities."