Vol. 483 No. 6
119 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has reviewed the Supreme Court decision on the Employment Equality Bill as it affects people with disabilities; and if he has received the interim report from the inter-departmental taskforce on disabilities in this regard. [21240/97]
The Employment Equality Bill, 1997, published yesterday, takes account of the judgment of the Supreme Court with regard to the provision of special treatment and facilities for people with disabilities.
The interdepartmental taskforce on disabilities is preparing a plan of action on the rights of people with disabilities based on the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. I anticipate that the taskforce should be in a position to submit an interim report to me shortly.
In addition to their general remit, the taskforce was asked to examine, and report back to me on the benefits, if any, of an amendment to the Constitution to deal with the Supreme Court judgment; enhanced State funding for employers who provide a "reasonable accommodation" to employees with disabilities; the option of a Disabilities Bill; and any other measures which may be appropriate.
These terms of reference deal broadly with the issues raised in the Supreme Court judgment, as they relate to people with disabilities, and will provide an important input to future work in the area of disability, including future work on a Disabilities Bill.
