Gay Mitchell
Question:133 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on proposals for a barrier-free Europe for people with disabilities. [14865/01]
Written Answers. - People with Disabilities.
The concept of a barrier-free Europe for people with disabilities is one to which all EU member states would subscribe. This concept has been published in a communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, on 12 May 2000. The communication, entitled, Towards a Barrier Free Europe for People with Disabilities, outlines what it sees as the way forward in eliminating barriers to the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of social life. Since taking office, the Government has sought to remove barriers to progress in the area of equality for people with disabilities. As Minister with responsibility, I have taken steps to ensure that such barriers are removed.
The concept of mainstreaming is central to the removal of barriers which impede progress in the area of equality for people with disabilities. Mainstreaming means the delivery of services for people with disabilities by the public bodies charged with the provision of that service for the general public. Full and equal participation in society by people with disabilities is now recognised as a right and I have introduced the necessary legislative and administrative infrastructure to enable this right to be exercised.
The Employment Equality Act, 1998, prohibits discrimination in the workplace on nine grounds, including disability. This legislation is now being implemented through the Equality Authority and Office of Equality Investigations which came into operation in October 1999. The Equal Status Act, 2000, prohibits discrimination in the supply of goods and services on the same nine grounds as the Employment Equality Act, including disability, and will also operate through the Equality Authority and Office of Equality Investigations.
The National Disability Authority Act, 1999 provides for the establishment of the NDA as a focal point for disability policy and implementation of standards in services provided for people with disabilities. In this regard the NDA is currently taking steps to promote the principles of the Barcelona Declaration which calls upon local authorities to ensure good design for people with disabilities.
Each of these provisions forms an essential element in the new equality infrastructure within which mainstreaming is taking place. Mainstreaming services for people with disabilities will ensure that the requirements of all our citizens, and not just some, will be met. Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness the Government is committed to advancing policy development in relation to equality for people with disabilities.
Finally, the Government is committed to introducing a disabilities Bill. It is proposed that the measures covered in the Bill will be proactive in nature and will require all Government Departments and State agencies to participate in initiatives to advance and underpin the inclusion of people with disabilities.