Labour TD attacks Govt over disabilities legislation

Labour Party TD Kathleen Lynch has attacked the Government over its failure to introduce legally enforceable rights for the disabled.

Speaking as the Dáil debated the Disabilities Bill today, Ms Lynch said it was disingenuous to claim that such a move would lead to a raft of court cases against the Government.

The legislation was drawn up following years of negotiations with groups working with the disabled, but many of these groups had expressed disappointment that the bill is not rights-based.

"Inserting the word 'rights' does not mean that every person who has a disability will be in a queue outside the Four Courts," Ms Lynch said.

"I think that's disingenuous. I think it's wrong. It has never happened before."

The Labour TD has vowed to make an attempt to introduce several amendments to the planned legislation during its passage through the Dáil today.