Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has announced that the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, which he chairs, is to undertake a comprehensive review of the operation of the Disability Act 2005 in Ireland. As part of the process, it is now inviting public submissions from interested individuals and groups
The Committee will review the Disability Act 2005, which sets out obligations on public service providers to work proactively towards the improvement of the quality of life of people with disabilities. The Committee also wishes to explore the extent to which certain parts of the National Disability Strategy, which underpins government policy in the area, is being implemented.
Committee Chairman David Stanton TD says: “With the landmark Disability Act 2005 now ten years old, it is timely that we assess the extent to which the quality of life of citizens with disabilities has been impacted by its provisions. The Committee is keen to engage with the wider public to listen to a broad spectrum of views on this issue, and looks forward to hearing from individuals with disabilities and representative groups in particular.
“The Committee may decide to invite one or more individuals or groups to public hearings to discuss particular submissions in detail. On foot of this public process, the Committee will publish a report on the submissions received and the public hearings, which will be laid before both Houses and furnished to the Minister for Justice and Equality.”
I would ask anyone who has an interest in the Disability Act 2005 and general policy in this area to consider making a submission before the deadline of 3pm on Friday, 29th May. Further details on how to make a submission can be found at: http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/oireachtasbusiness/committees_list/jde-committee/callforsubmissions/
