Campaigners call for new disability bill

A NEW campaign to scrap the Government’s proposed Disability Bill has been launched in Limerick.

Ger South, chairman of the Mid-West Parents and Friends of the Mentally Handicapped who are behind the campaign, said: “We are seeking a pledge on the part of political parties to replace the discredited Disability Bill with rights-based legislation.”

He said they would seek pledges from politicians that this demand would be a priority of any incoming government.

Mr South said they wanted a task force created with a set deadline to produce an alternative bill.

“We demand that this task force would be comprised of independent international experts in human rights and disability as well as the main stakeholders in the domestic debate, including a majority of persons with disabilities or their representatives,” Mr South added.

A public meeting will be held at the Pery Hotel, Glentworth Street, Limerick, at 8pm on June 27.