Finian McGrath
Question:1090 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government is considering watering down its commitment to an effective Disability Bill. [20544/03]
Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.
Finian McGrath
Question:1147 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new Disability Bill 2003 will provide for an independent assessment of needs; and if the legislation will be rights based. [20049/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1090 and 1147 together.
The Government remains committed to bringing forward a new and effective Disability Bill which will underpin the principle of mainstreaming and provide for positive action measures to remove barriers to equal participation for people with disabilities. Work is in train to prepare the Bill for publication during the current Dáil session, now that the education of people with Disabilities Bill 2003 has been published.
The process of overseeing the preparation of the revised Disability Bill has been referred by the Government to the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion, in view of the complex and crosscutting issues which fall to be considered. The sub-committee is taking a key role in facilitating cross-departmental co-operation in the development of the legislative proposals. I can confirm that present thinking as to the content of the Bill includes proposals for an independent assessment of need and appeals mechanisms. Enforcement arrangements are also envisaged as an ultimate sanction where promised services are not delivered.
Pending completion of sub-committee and Government deliberations, it would be inappropriate to comment in detail on the likely content of the Bill