Jan O'Sullivan
Question:64 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the disability Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20181/00]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
A commitment has been given in the Government's legislative programme to publish a disabilities Bill in 2001. Preparatory work is under way in my Department and a broad ranging consultation process is due to be completed early in the autumn. The disabilities Bill will be the fourth legislative measure in the area of disability equality sponsored by this Government and is being progressed in the context of the legislative and infrastructual framework for equality which the Government has already put in place. The Employment Equality Act, 1998 and Equal Status Act, 2000 outlaw discrimination in the workplace and in the supply of goods and services on nine grounds including the ground of disability. The National Disability Authority Act, 1999 provides for the establishment of the National Disability Authority. The NDA was established on 12 June this year as part of the policy of mainstreaming services for people with disabilities. The Equality Authority and the Equality Investigation's Office were established on a statutory basis on 18 October 1999.
These measures are in many respects ground breaking and in advance of best practice adopted elsewhere. It is my intention that the disabilities Bill will be similarly developmental and will be geared to achieving and underpinning the participation of people with disabilities in society.