Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Rights of People with Disabilities.

Donal Carey

Question:

290 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of measures which his Department has enacted referring to people with disabilities; the date of their passing; the benefits accruing to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12768/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Equality of access and opportunity for all people, including people who have a disability, is a fundamental principle underlying the operation of the education system at all levels. In some cases this is supported by legislation while in others administrative practices promote equality.

At first and second levels there is at present no legislation of general application relating to the organisation of education at these levels or to the rights and responsibilities of the various interests. This situation will change upon enactment of the Education (No. 2) Bill, 1997. The Bill, as published, contains a wide range of provisions relating to the education of people with disabilities. In addition, as part of a process of wide-ranging consultation on the Bill, I and officials of my Department have met a large number of groups with an interest or an involvement in the education of people with disabilities. As a result of those consultations I have brought forward a number of amendments to the Bill for discussion on Committee Stage to strengthen the Bill further as regards education for people with disabilities. I expect that the Bill will be enacted by the end of this year.

At third level, the Universities Act, 1997, enacted on 14 May 1997, contains significant provisions relating generally to the issue of equality of opportunity in university education. The promotion of equality of opportunity is a statutory object of all universities and each university is encouraged to have a charter which sets out its policy in respect of the promotion of equality of opportunity among students and employees. Each university is also obliged to prepare a statement of its policies in respect of access to university education by, among others, people who have a disability and in respect of equality in all its activities. The Higher Education Authority is given the power to review these policies and their implementation.