Govt to withdraw parts of Disabilities Bill

The Government has decided to withdraw a controversial section of the Disabilities Bill following protests by groups representing people with disabilities.

Junior Minister Mary Wallace said she will now hold further discussions with the concerned organisations before drawing up an amended bill.

Around 40 disabilities groups are holding a mass rally at the Mansion House in Dublin today to discuss potential amendments.

A spokesman for the Forum for People with Disabilities said: "We have yet to see the detail of what it is the Government are proposing, but the fact that they have withdrawn the problematic clause is welcome. It now lays open the opportunity for us to engage with amending this bill so that it can be formulated into the rights-based bill that was intended".