Donal Carey
Ceist:10 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities; and if he supports providing a legislative basis for these rights.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rights of Disabled Persons.
As I stated 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 legislation, which shall apply to persons with disabilities and other groups, will prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services including recreational facilities, entertainment, transport and professional services, accommodation and the disposal of property.
The terms of reference of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities require the commission, inter alia, to advise the Government on practical measures necessary to ensure that people with a disability can exercise their rights to participate, to the fullest extent of their potential, in economic, social and cultural life.
On receipt of the commission's recommendations in that regard, I shall review the position to see what further action, in addition to the anti-discrimination legislation, may be necessary to strengthen and promote the rights of people with disabilities.
Deputy Carey for one supplementary.
I am glad you are able to spare me a few seconds, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
The time for Priority Questions is exhausted; the Chair has no discretion in the matter.
Your rulings are unbelievable, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. During a week when blind people have been put on a three-day week, I had hoped the Minister would say something other than simply refer to the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. For example, I had hoped he would refer to the legislative measures he proposes to introduce in this area. In the USA and the UK, disability Acts were introduced which gave rights to disabled people and were of particular benefit to the handicapped. Will the Minister outline the legislation he proposes to introduce in this area?
It is regrettable that, having asked the question, Deputy Carey did not listen to the answer. If he had he would have heard me refer to important matters other than the terms of reference of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities. I told him I am bringing forward legislation which will provide for legal redress in cases of discrimination against a number of categories of disadvantaged people, including those with a disability. Two Bills in this area are at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department, one an anti-discrimination measure dealing with employment and employment related matters and the other an equal status measure dealing with discrimination in the non-employment field covering the provision of goods, facilities and services, including recreational facilities, entertainment, transport, professional services, accommodation and the disposal of property. These two major Bills will provide very substantial protection to different categories of disadvantaged people, including those with a disability.
I am aware of the legislation introduced in the USA. We have looked at this excellent legislation and drawn from it. I would also mention to the Deputy for his research the excellent legislation introduced in Australia and a number of other countries, including the UK. It is my intention to draw the best from all that legislation and to introduce two long overdue landmark Bills which will for the first time protect disadvantaged people in society.
As we have not reached Priority Question No. 11 we will take it under other questions.