Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rights of Disabled.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

313 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the three priority areas for action in his Department for 1998 in view of the Government's commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium, page 18, People with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17963/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

In its Action Programme for the Millennium, the Government is committed to ensuring that disability is placed on the agenda of every Government Department and public body. The report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities will form the foundation on which future Government policy in the area of disability will be based.

The interdepartmental task force, which was formed to draw up a plan of action on the rights of people with disabilities based on the report, is expected to present its interim plan to Government shortly. It is my intention to have the final plan of action completed as soon as possible thereafter. The implementation of the report's recommendations, based on the plan of action as approved by the Government, will form part of my priorities for 1998.

I am also determined to ensure that the interests of people with disabilities will be catered for in anti-discrimination legislation in the employment area, taking into account the Supreme Court judgment in this matter. The task force has been asked for a recommendation on how the concept of "reasonable accommodation" can be managed in the context of addressing discrimination against people with disabilities in employment equality legislation and I look forward to receiving its recommendation in this matter.

A revised Equal Status Bill will also be developed to take into account the Supreme Court decision on that legislation and I expect this to be published during 1998.