Allegedly people with disabilities are right to kill bill

ONE wonders if it would be possible for the Government to deploy the same energy and enthusiasm in introducing the long-awaited Disability Bill as they have invested in their zealous campaign for a yes vote in the referendum on citizenship.

The Government has consistently expressed the urgent need for a regulated approach in Irish citizenship legislation. Yet there is clear evidence of a distinct lack of urgency, or indeed willingness, in providing rights-based legislation for people with disabilities in Ireland. The programme for government contains a commitment to publishing a disability bill that would include provision for right of assessment, a proper appeals process and methods of enforcement.

A half-baked Disability Bill was introduced in December 2001 which caused outrage given the absence of the most fundamental requirement that of a rights-based approach which should have underpinned and safeguarded the rights of people with disabilities within that legislation.