Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 7

Written Questions. - Employment Equality.

Mary Wallace

Question:

49 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the current status of the Employment Equality Bill; if he intends including a specific framework of reasonable accommodation to meet the needs of people with disabilities in the Bill; and the discussions, if any, his Department has had with other Departments on complementary measures which could be undertaken by them. [17558/95]

Mary Wallace

Question:

50 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the current status of the Equal Status Bill; if he intends including a specific framework of reasonable accommodation to meet the needs of people with disabilities in the Bill; and the discussions, if any, his Department has had with other Departments on complementary measures which could be undertaken by them. [17559/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.

The Employment Equality Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and is expected to be ready for publication in the near future. The Equal Status Bill is also being prepared and I intend that it will be published as soon as possible in 1996. Deputies will have a full opportunity to discuss these Bills when they come before the House.

The development of proposals for anti-discrimination legislation has involved consideration of the position of people with disabilities, as well as the needs and concerns of other groups to be covered by the legislation. The Employment Equality Bill will outlaw discrimination on a wide range of grounds, including disability, in the sphere of employment, while the Equal Status Bill will deal with discrimination on the same grounds, in non-employment areas such as education, provision of goods and services and disposal of property and accommodation.

I am currently awaiting the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. The Commission has been established to examine the disability area and to make recommendations to the Government aimed at ensuring that the needs of people with disabilities are met in a cohesive and comprehensive way. On receipt of the report. I will examine its recommendations carefully with a view to considering what measures may be required by me and by my colleagues in Government to improve the general welfare of people with disabilities.

It is not the practice to give details of discussions between Departments.