Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Written Answers. - Status of People with Disabilities.

Mary Wallace

Question:

86 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities will be published; whether he has examined any or all of the drafts of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14761/96]

Mary Wallace

Question:

87 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when the interim Council for the Status of People with Disabilities will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14838/96]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.

I am informed that the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities are continuing with their work on the preparation of a draft report, which they hope to agree shortly. However, until the Commission furnishes me with a copy of its completed report I will not be in a position to comment on its contents. I understand that the Commission envisages that the report will be published in the autumn.

I am also informed that the Establishment Group which is facilitating the setting up of the Council for the Status of People with Disabilities recently announced the results of the election to Panel A individuals and has sent the results to over 4,500 people, registered with the group, who are in that panel.

I understand that the group will be continuing with its work over the coming months by facilitating the inclusion of parents' groups, advocates, local groups and organisations in panels B and C.

In view of the overwhelming response to the proposed Council, I understand that the establishment group have decided to defer the official launch of the Interim Council until early in 1997.