Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:15 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to meet with the Forum for People with Disabilities.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Forum for People with Disabilities.
I met with representatives of the Forum of People with Disabilities on 5 May 1994. I have not received a request for a further meeting.
In referring to equal status legislation, did the Minister consider his meeting with the Forum of People with Disabilities? Will he accept that the forum is anxious that people with disabilities should represent themselves at future councils and so on? Is he aware that it is concerned about the paternalistic attitude of health boards and representation of the disabled? Will the Minister give an undertaking that the disabled will speak for themselves?
The issues mentioned by Deputy Keogh were discussed with representatives of Forum of People with Disabilities at the meeting of 5 May 1994. Members expressed their concerns in that regard and we discussed the work of the commission and the proposed setting up of the council for the status of people with disabilities. I assured them that their representations will be taken into account when the format of the new council is being finalised.
The view has been expressed to me by represenatives of the forum that whereas their plea in regard to direct representation may have been listened to, direct representation of the disabled by the disabled will not be taken on board. They want a commitment to deal with this matter.
I have always felt that the voice of people with disabilities should be heard and they should be represented on all bodies dealing with their affairs and needs. That was the basis on which the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities was set up. Sixty per cent of the representation on that commission is made up by people with disabilities. The forum made representations in connection with the setting up of the Council for the Status of People with Disabilities and they will receive my serious consideration. Preparations for the setting up of that council are progressing well.