Michael Smith (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

The latest element of the framework is the Equality Bill 2004 which updates our existing advanced equality laws to ensure full compliance with EU directives.

I have no doubt about the significant challenge to put in place the framework to enhance service delivery for people with disabilities. The framework is broad, dealing with health, education, employment, advocacy, physical access to buildings and transport. The Government is conscious of the complexity and cross-cutting nature of the issues involved and, to support ministerial engagement throughout the process, referred oversight of the Bill and other elements of the framework to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. The Government and the Cabinet committee are paying particular attention to the Bill and the views emerging through the consultation process. The Bill will be published as soon as the Government has completed its work.

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