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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

362 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his legislative priorities for the remainder of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2422/03]

I refer the Deputy to the proposals for legislation in An Agreed Programme for Government in so far as they relate to my responsibilities as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I would also refer the Deputy to the current Government legislation programme which was issued by the Office of the Government Chief Whip on 27 January 2003. The Government legislation programme includes details, in respect of each Department, of Bills currently before the Houses, Bills expected to be published during the spring session, Bills in respect of which heads have been agreed and texts are being drafted and also other Bills which are currently under preparation. The programme is, of course, without prejudice to any further proposals for legislation which I might bring forward for Government approval, details of which would be announced in the usual way.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

363 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made towards developing a rights-based disability Bill; when he expects to reach agreement with the various groups that have been set up to deal with the issue; if he will be in a position to publish a Bill shortly that will command widespread support in the disability movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/03]

The Disability Bill 2001 was published on 21 December 2001. Following concerns expressed by interest groups, the Government agreed to further consultations on future proposals for disability legislation, in particular the Disability Bill 2001. This process is being overseen by the expert consultation team, appointed in April 2002 comprising Ms Sylda Langford, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. John O'Donnell, SC, Professor Brian Nolan, Economic and Social Institute, Mr. Bernard Feeney, senior consultant, Goodbodys Economic Consultants and Mr. Brian Crowley, Member of the European Parliament.

In addition, a group representative of people with disabilities, their families, carers and service providers, the disability legislation consultation group, DLCG, has been brought together by the National Disability Authority to facilitate dialogue at national level, both within the sector and with the consultation team. I understand that the DLCG is expected in the coming weeks to present proposals for the future content of disability legislation to the consultation team.

The consultation team has also examined proposals from other relevant stakeholders, including disability groups, ICTU, IBEC, the community and voluntary sector and relevant Government Departments. I also understand that the consultation process is expected to conclude shortly, following which, and in accordance with the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government, it is my intention that an amended Bill will be published as soon as practicable, with provisions for rights of assessment, appeals, provision and enforcement.

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