Jan O'Sullivan
Question:326 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if work has begun in his Department in drafting the disability Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20753/99]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
Work on the draft Disabilities Bill has been included in the legislative programme of my Department and preliminary work on the proposed format of the Bill has commenced. I consider it most important that a considered approach is taken in the preparation of the proposed Disabilities Bill as the issues involved are complex and will require innovative and progressive thought. As a result, I expect it will be some time before final proposals for the format of the Bill will be available. It is intended that this legislation will be developed in the context of the legislative framework which has been put in place under this Government, including the Employment Equality Act, 1998, the National Disability Authority Act, 1999, and the Equal Status Bill, 1999, which is expected to be enacted later this year. The Equality Authority and Office of Equality Investigations became operational earlier this week. The National Disability Authority is expected to become operational early next year and will play a key role in empowering people with disabilities to achieve their full economic, social and political rights.