Seán Barrett
Question:28 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he intends to establish a bill of rights for those with an intellectual disability.
Written Answers. - Bill of Rights for Intellectually Disabled.
One of the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government provides for the enactment of legislation to put the rights of people with an intellectual disability on a statutory basis, together with a means of redress for people whose rights are ignored.
On 5 May, 1993, the Taoiseach and I announced the setting up of a Commission on Disability. On 21 May, 1993, through advertisements in the media, I invited written submissions from interested groups and individuals on the terms of reference of the Commission. A large number of submissions were received and the terms of reference will be drawn up in the near future by my Department in consultation with representatives of people with disability and relevant Government Departments.
Among the issues on which the Commission will be asked to make a recommendation are the legislative changes required to put the rights of people with an intellectual disability on a statutory basis, together with a legislative means of redress for people whose rights are ignored.