Disability groups protest against new bill

The Forum of People with Disabilities protested outside the Dáil today against the Disability Bill which they claim is flawed.

They said the bill does not provide rights-based legislation. TDs from all parties have been asked to set the bill aside in favour of consultation with disabled people and groups over the next two months.

Mr Dónal Toolan, co-ordiantor for the Forum of People with Disabilities, said: "Our members are angry that this bill is being produced in the last days of the current government without any prior consultation with disabled people or interest groups.

"We would rather wait until such time as legislation which addresses our real concerns is produced, rather than accept this fundamentally flawed Bill." he said.

The bill, introduced by the Minister of State for Justice, Ms Mary Wallace, aims to have all buses wheelchair accessible by 2010, with 60 per cent accessibility achieved by 2006. She wants all taxis wheelchair accessible by 2010, and trains by 2015.

Advocacy services will also be established through the information agency Comhairle by 2006, and needs assessment will be a statutory right by 2003.

A spokesperson for Minister Wallace said she had met most of the groups and worked through the issues with them. "All the groups, with the exception of one, have agreed they would submit amendments to the Minister," he said.

The bill was scheduled for its second stage Dáil debate today but was postponed due to the debate on the motion of censure against deputy Lawlor.