Written Answers. - Commission on Disability.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:
22
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Equality and Law Reform
if he will publish a programme of action in respect of disabled persons; and if he will ensure that such a programme will take account of the needs of special schools for people with a disability.
On 5 May 1993, the Taoiseach and I met with representatives of the Forum of People with Disabilities and agreed to establish a Commission on Disability. An undertaking was also given that the terms of reference of the Commission would be drawn up within three to six months by my Department in consultation with representatives of people with disability and other relevant Government Departments.
My Department subsequently placed advertisements in the major newspapers inviting written submissions from interested groups and individuals on the terms of reference of the Commission on Disability. Eighty-four submissions were received in response to this invitation.
In September, 1993, I recruited a temporary consultant with a wide-ranging expertise in issues relating to people with disability to assist me in assessing these submissions and to advise me on the establishment of the Commission.
On 5 October, 1993 I announced my intention of appointing Mr. Justice Feargus Flood as Chairperson of the Commission. I have no doubt that, with a person of the calibre of Justice Flood as Chairperson, the Commission will undertake its task with a high degree of professionalism and competence.
I am at present finalising my proposals for the establishment of the Commission and I intend to submit them for approval by the Government shortly.
The Commission will have wide-ranging terms of reference and the needs of special schools will be among the matters which will be considered by it. In the circumstances, I believe that it would not be prudent to attempt to pre-empt its findings in that respect.
As I have already indicated on numerous occasions I am bringing forward legislation to extend legal redress against discrimination in relation both to the employment and non-employment areas. The preparation of the proposed legislation on employment equality is progressing and I expect to introduce the legislation next year.
I hope to have the legislation in respect of non-employment areas passed in 1994. This legislation will prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services, including recreational facilities and services, entertainment, transport and professional services, accommodation and the disposal of property.
The grounds on which discrimination will be prohibited are those set out in the Programme for Government and include sex, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, race, colour, nationally, or national or ethnic origins, or membership of the travelling community.
It is intended that the person who is discriminated against will be able to take action to vindicate his or her rights.
