Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - Programme for Government.

Alan Shatter

Question:

201 Mr. Shatter and Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to enact the legislation promised in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 to give persons with a mental handicap the rights and a means of redress and the estimated or Exchequer cost, if any, of this legislation.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

This Government is committed to enhancing the rights of people with a mental handicap. To that end the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997 provides for the enactment of legislation aimed at putting the rights of people with a mental handicap on a statutory basis. That legislation will also provide a means of redress for people whose rights are ignored.

Discussions have already taken place on this matter with the Department of Health. Further consultation will take place with that Department and with the appropriate representative bodies. This process of consultation is necessary to explore what legislative measures may be necessary to vindicate the rights of people with a mental handicap.

The legislation in question will be enacted during the period of the Programme for a Partnership Government. It is too early to estimate what costs may arise from the proposed legislation.