Seanad debates

Wednesday, 14 May 2003

12:30 pm

Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Not only should we bring forward that Bill, we should ensure that it includes a rights-based approach to disability. Those with disabilities, whether physical or intellectual, must be guaranteed a legal right of redress and should not, as was the case in the original legislation, be left exposed or vulnerable. I look forward to the publication of that Bill. I ask that the Leader inquire, on behalf of the House, as to when it will be forthcoming. It is appropriate that we should deal with it before the commencement of the Special Olympics.

On the Local Government Bill, we should be clear in our support for the principle that we, as Members of the Oireachtas, should have the right and the entitlement to put a plea to the President, through our contributions in the House, to consider examining an item of legislation. We have done so on more than one occasion; we did it in respect of the freedom of information legislation. While it is entirely at the President's discretion to decide how to deal with such a request, the principle of our making it is important.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.