Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 4

Written Answers. - Commission Recommendations.

Helen Keogh

Question:

30 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the number of meetings held by the Monitoring Committee on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women in 1995; and when he expects to receive the committee's second progress report. [3052/96]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

31 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, made to date of his request to all political parties to indicate their positions regarding the issue of their mandate outlined by the Second Commission on the Status of Women; the plans, if any, he has to pursue this reform in the interests of democracy and gender balance in politics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3087/96]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.

The monitoring committee on the implementation of the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women met on two occasions during 1995.

I have received a copy of the second progress report and I hope to be in a position to make it available to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Women's Rights in the coming weeks, and to arrange for its printing.

With regard to the position on dual mandates, the position remains unchanged since my last reply in January 1995.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

34 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, that has been made towards establishing a council for the status of people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3079/96]

Máirín Quill

Question:

40 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when he expects to receive the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. [3051/96]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 40 together.

I understand that the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities expects to present its report to me in April 1996.

Good progress has been made towards the establishment of a Council for the Status of People with Disabilities. In April 1995, I set up anad hoc establishment group to facilitate the process. The establishment group was asked to identify the actions needed to facilitate the development of a constituent base from which a provisional council, which would act in a caretaker capacity pending the formal establishment of a representative council, could emerge. It was also requested to draw up a draft provisional constitution which would serve as a mandate for the provisional council, pending the adoption of a formally-agreed constitution in conjunction with the setting up of a properly constituted council. In addition, the establishment group was asked to make the necessary arrangements for the holding of a national convention of relevant interests at which the membership of the provisional council could be agreed.

At this point, the establishment group has developed a proposed structure for the new council and this model is being presented to individuals and organisations for information and consultation. A total of 13 consultation meetings are planned for February and March at venues throughout the country.

Work has commenced on a draft provisional constitution and an election process is being finalised. In order to put the provisional council in place, it is intended to hold a national convention in Dublin Castle on 25 June next.

I am firmly of the view that there is an urgent need for a Council for the Status of People with Disabilities which will act on behalf of the various interests involved in promoting the welfare of people with a disability. The formation of the provisional council will constitute an important step on the road towards establishing a permanent council.