Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 4

Written Answers. - Report of Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities.

Peadar Clohessy

Ceist:

27 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when he expects the report of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities to be published; if he will give a commitment in relation to the recommendations made that a timeframe will be allocated for such recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/95]

John Browne

Ceist:

45 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that there is sufficient public transport available for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18267/95]

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 45 together.

The Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities envisages publishing its report in April 1996. In undertaking its work the commission engaged in a comprehensive examination of the situation of people with disabilities and it will be making recommendations in a wide range of areas geared towards improving their lives. Until the Government has had the opportunity to consider the report, it would not be possible to give any indications in relation to the question of a timeframe for implementation of the recommendations contained in it.

The Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications is responsible, in the first instance, for the provision of public transport for people with disabilities. In this regard, I am very pleased that he has recently appointed a person with a disability to the board of CIE. This issue is being considered by the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities which established a working group on transport and mobility to examine the position and develop draft recommendations in this regard. On receipt of the commission's report, I will give its recommendations careful consideration to see what measures may be required by me and my colleagues in Government to improve the postion in this area for people with disabilities.