David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the disability, mental health, human rights or other organisations which have made representations, had contact with or made submissions directly or indirectly to his Department in relation to the Disability Bill 2004 following its publication in September 2004; the organisations which have expressed reservations regarding, criticism of or suggested amendments to the Bill; the organisations which have expressed unreserved support for the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6339/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has, to date, received 44 submissions from various organisations in respect of the Disability Bill 2004 most of which were received via the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. As a member of that committee, the Deputy will be aware that the views of 34 of the groups concerned, four of which also sent submissions to the Department, were presented to the committee before Christmas. The names of the organisations concerned are set out in the lists accompanying this reply.

As with any Bill progressing through the Dáil, most of the submissions received relate to areas of concern and suggested amendments. The Deputy will appreciate that these submissions are being examined to see if it is possible to meet, in whole or in part, concerns expressed by way of Government amendment. The process of considering amendments in the context of the Bill is one that requires consultation with relevant Departments and the Attorney General. The process is ongoing. In the meantime, the Bill is on Second Stage in the House, having been debated over several days since 4 November 2004.

Organisations that sent submissions directly to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights:

Age Action Ireland

AHEAD — Association for Higher Education Access and Disability

Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Amnesty International

Ann Sullivan Foundation for Deaf Blind

AWARE — Helping to defeat depression

Bodywhys

Brainwave — The Irish Epilepsy Association

Carers Association

Children in Hospital Ireland

Disability Federation of Ireland

Enable Ireland

FADE — North Fingal Centre for Independent Living

Forum of People with Disabilities

Genetic and Inherited Disorders Organisation

Headway Ireland — The National Association for Acquired Brain Injury

Hope Project

Huntington's Disease Association Ireland

Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Irish Deaf Society

Irish Insurance Federation

Irish Senior Citizen's Parliament

Irish Wheelchair Association

Mental Health Ireland

NAHMI

National Council on Aging and Older People

National Federation of Voluntary Bodies

National Institute for the Study of Learning Difficulties

National Parents' and Siblings' Alliance

Not for Profit Business Association

Organisations that sent submissions directly to my Department:

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland

Disability Legal Resource Centre

Disability Legislation Consultation Group

Equality Authority

Institute for Design and Disability

Irish Congress of Trade Unions

Irish Human Rights Commission

Irish Life

National Disability Authority

Parkinson's Association

People with Disabilities in Ireland Ltd

Schizophrenia Ireland

Society of Actuaries in Ireland

TV3