Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

376 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the efforts of the campaign on Irish Disabled People's Rights which includes two demands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29652/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

My Department has responsibility for disability equality policy and legislation development, and in that context has in the last number of years, in co-operation with the European Commission, organised the Irish National Information Day on Disability. Each year, a particular theme is chosen for the day. Themes to date have included: ‘Progress Through Partnership' (24 November, 1997); ‘Progress Through Employment' (30 November, 1998); ‘Building a Future Together' (29 November, 1999) and ‘Information Technology – Access for All' (27 November, 2000). This took place simultaneously in 3 locations – Dublin, Sligo and Ennis; ‘Design for All' (22 October, 2001); ‘Do they take sugar?' – a television programme (aired on Network 2 on 3 December, 2002 at 9 p.m.)

This year, my Department chose to focus the National Information Day on the public sector. More than 200,000 brochures were distributed to public sector employees to inform and raise awareness of disability issues.

As this year is the designated European Year of People with Disabilities, Ireland, and our EU partners are working together to create awareness about disability issues among the population at large and, more importantly, to promote awareness of the right of people with disabilities to equal opportunities and protection against discrimination. My Department designated the National Disability Authority, NDA, as the national co-ordinating body. The NDA is chairing the national co-ordinating committee which is co-ordinating events for the Year in Ireland. The members of the committee represent disability organisations, the social partners, Government Departments and the media. My Department is represented on the committee which is focusing on four particular themes for the Year; Awareness Raising; Youth and Disability; Rights, Partnership and Responsibilities; and Employment.

The committee is supporting a wide ranging programme of projects nationwide to highlight the aims of the Year.

My Department funded other initiatives and events to publicise the Year including the "Youth – Beyond Disability" seminars, organised by People with Disabilities in Ireland; a calendar, in conjunction with PwDI; and the "Design for All"exhibition in partnership with the Office of Public Works.

While my Department has been active in promoting disability awareness, it should be noted that there are other State organisations which are also actively involved in ensuring that this issue is active in the public consciousness. The Equality Authority, Comhairle and other Departments are involved in promoting this issue.

The Government remains committed to bringing forward a 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.

Given the complex and crosscutting issues involved, the process of overseeing the preparation of the Disability Bill has been referred to a Cabinet Committee. As stated in the Agreed Programme for Government the Bill will include provisions for rights of assessment, appeals, provision and enforcement. However, pending completion of the Cabinet Committee and Government deliberations, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the likely content of the Bill. The intention is that the Bill will be ready for publication before the Dáil resumes after the Christmas recess. The Taoiseach met with the Disability Legislation Consultation Group, DLCG, on 28 November, 2003 to advise them accordingly. The DLGC is a group representative of people with disabilities, their families, carers and service providers which was brought together by the National Disability Authority, NDA, to facilitate dialogue at national level.