I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 34 together.
I have previously announced in the House that I am bringing forward legislation to extend legal redress against discrimination in relation to employment and non-employment areas. The proposed legislation will apply to persons with disabilities as well as to other groups, and will prohibit discrimination in employment, in the provision of goods, facilities and services, including recreational facilities, entertainment, transport and professional services, accommodation and the disposal of property.
The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, which I appointed in 1993, is considering what additional action is necessary to advance the interests of people with disabilities. When I receive its recommendations, I shall examine the general situation to determine what other measures, in addition to the proposed anti-discrimination legislation, may be required by me or by other Ministers.
The Government is committed to the achievement of the 3 per cent quota for the employment of people with disabilities throughout the public sector. The latest information available to me indicates that the quota has been reached in the Civil Service and I am continuing my efforts to ensure that it is reached throughout the wider public sector.
In 1994, the Government provided £2 million for a pilot programme of supported employment of people with disabilities in viable business projects. A sum of £100,000 was also provided last year to assist voluntary organisations to improve transport arrangements for people with disabilities, particularly for adapting vehicles to facilitate easier transport of people with disabilities, to services and facilities. My Department was involved in planning the expenditure in relation to these projects.
An interdepartmental transport accessibility committee is operating under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications with a view to ensuring that transport in general is made more accessible to people with disabilities. My Department is represented on that committee.
I assume the reference to "equality proofing" is intended to ascertain whether the proposals and recommendations emanating from the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities will be disability proofed. I understand that this issue is currently under consideration by the commission and will be addressed in its report which is expected to be completed in the next 12 months or so. I look forward to studying the commission's views on that question and, in particular, on how the practical aspects such as costs, personnel practices and similar considerations, might be accommodated in an overall strategy.
I recently attended a very useful session of the National Economic and Social forum on equality proofing and I will ensure that its findings are taken into account in policy formulation.