Lobby demands action on Disability Bill recommendations
Angela Kerins of the Disability Legislation Consultation Group (DLCG) said it was vital the Department of Justice listened to the needs of those in the disability sector:
“We would expect them to take this very seriously and deliver as near as possible what they can to what we recommended.
"We expect they will be positive about this. I would send a very loud message that we expect them to deliver this time. I want to say it loud and clear that they have to deliver.”
The DLCG was established at the request of the Government after its Disability Bill 2001 was scrapped following severe criticism and anger from the disability sector. Under the
DLCG, eight physical and mental disability groups came together to outline for the Government the needs of the sector.
“It’s quite an achievement what we did. To have all the disability groups come together and decide the core elements we wanted is really a historical achievement.
"I would hope they will pay very close attention to what the whole sector wants, especially since this is the first time we have spoken with one voice on the issues involved,” said Ms Kerins.
The Irish Disability Bill, 2001 was published in December, 2001.
However, following negative reaction from disability groups it was withdrawn in February, 2002.
Its replacement is currently being drafted and is expected to be formally published by the Government before July.
Chief among the demands of the DLCG is the stipulation that any rights afforded by the new bill be legally enforceable by the courts.
The lack of any provision allowing disabled persons demand their rights in the courts was the main stumbling block of the initial bill.
According to the DLCG, new legislation must also combine the right of access to services, with needs assessment as well as the removal of barriers to people with disabilities on public and private service-providers.
The disability campaigners have also called for a minister for disabilities to be appointed to ensure cross-departmental co-operation in dealing with disabilities issues.
A further recommendation calls for an independent advocacy agency to be set up to ensure the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said the department would not comment on what may be contained in the new bill before its publication, but stressed that all needs were being considered.
