Frances Fitzgerald
Question:377 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce a Disability Bill; if a constitutional amendment will be necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17962/00]
Written Answers. - Disabilities Bill.
A commitment has already been given in the Government's legislative programme to bring forward a disabilities Bill at the earliest possible opportunity. Work on this legislation is ongoing in my Department and I would hope to be in a position to publish the text of the Bill in the first half of next year.
With regard to the question of amendment of the Constitution, I understand it is the intention of the Joint Committee on the Constitution to consider, later this year, a proposal to amend Article 40.1 of the Constitution to provide specifically in relation to equality on a number of grounds, including disability.