Disability group seeks urgent talks

A DISABILITY group set up by the Government is seeking an urgent meeting with the Taoiseach over concerns that anticipated legislation will fall far short of what was expected.

The Disability Bill of 2001 was scrapped last year after it failed to guarantee enforceable rights to disabled people. A new version was promised by the Government by the summer but there have been no guarantees that it will include enforceable rights.

The Disability Legislation Consultation Group (DLCG) was established to highlight issues surrounding the Disability Bill 2001 after it was shelved.

However, DLCG members, who met Equality Minister Willie O’Dea yesterday to discuss recommendations they submitted to the Government earlier this year, are unhappy with the lack of progress.

“Really it’s time to say where the Government is going,” said DCLG member Donal Tolan who attended yesterday’s meeting.

Mr Tolan, who is also a member of the Forum of People with Disabilities, said the Government had still not given an answer as to whether guaranteed, enforceable rights would be included in legislation.

Crucially, a redress mechanism was the stumbling block which saw the 2001 bill shelved.

A revised bill being prepared by the Government was expected before the Dáil’s summer recess but is not expected before autumn.

“The DLCG are of the view that the situation is still unclear and that the Taoiseach has to clarify where the Government is going with this,” he said.

The group is demanding a meeting with the Taoiseach in the next two weeks so the issue can be clarified.

“This is on the table since 1993, they’ve had enough time to reflect on it,” Mr Tolan said adding that the Government had failed to give any concrete guarantees as to when the new bill will be published.