Vol. 518 No. 4
236 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing campaign (details supplied) on issues of importance to people with disabilities; the assistance, if any, he will give in removing the disadvantages and discriminations referred to in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12117/00]
In reply to the details supplied by the Deputy, two of the issues raised fall within the remit of my Department, namely, anti-discrimination legislation and the funding for Vantastic.
Regarding anti-discrimination legislation, I have to date introduced three major legislative measures which between them establish a basis for equal opportunities and mainstreamed service provision for people with disabilities. These are: the Employment Equality Act, 1998; which prohibits discrimination in relation to employment on nine distinct grounds, including disability; the National Disability Authority Act, 1999, which is a key element in the policy of mainstreaming services for people with disabilities; and the Equal Status Bill, 1999, which will prohibit discrimination on the nine grounds specified in the equal employment enactment, including disability, in relation to the supply of goods and services.
The Employment Equality Act, 1998, was brought into operation on 18 October, 1999 at which time the Equality Authority and the Office of Equality Investigations were established. Work on the establishment of the National Disability Authority under the National Disability Authority Act, 1999, is progressing within my Department and will become operational in the very near future. The Equal Status Bill, 1999 is expected to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas today and will then be sent to the President for signature.
With regard to the funding for Vantastic, £350,000 is being provided by my Department this year for this organisation. This was a special provision announced in the context of the 2000 Budget statement.
The other issues raised in the details supplied relate to accessibility to public housing and to public places which are matters for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government; accessible public transport which is a matter for the Minister for Public Enterprise; and personal assistance which is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children. I note that the Deputy has put down a similar question for answer by each of the Ministers concerned.
