I have seen newspaper reports of the speech referred to in the question. The equal status legislation which I am bringing forward will prohibit discrimination on a wide range of grounds, including disability. Another objective of the legislation will be to make discrimination unlawful not only in the workplace but also in education, in the provision of goods, facilities and services including recreational facilities and services, entertainment, accommodation, transport and professional services and in the disposal of accommodation or other premises.
The work of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, which had its first meeting on 8 December 1993, is well advanced. Its main task is to advise the Government on policy and other changes which are necessary to ensure greater equality for people with disabilities. The commission is to submit its report to me within two years. Over the past few weeks, the commission has held "listening" meetings in Sligo, Tralee, Athlone and Kilkenny to find out the views of people with disabilities on the changes they would like to see implemented to bring about greater participation and equality. Further "listening" meetings are planned for Dublin and other locations throughout the country in the coming months. Working is also well under in my Department in facilitiating the establishment of a Council for the Status of People with Disabilities.
