David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the regulations or Ministerial Orders which have been signed on foot of the enactment of the Disability Act 2005; when these were signed and came into force; the further regulations or Ministerial Orders which are due to be signed as a result of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33154/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Disability Act 2005 (Commencement) Order 2005 (S.I. No. 474 of 2005; signed 28 July 2005) fixed dates on which various Parts of the Act, apart from Part 2, came into operation. The commencement of Part 2 of the Act is the responsibility of the Minister for Health and Children, in consultation with the Minister for Education and Science. The Minister of State, Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D., was delegated all Ministerial powers under the Disability Act 2005 by order (i.e. S. I. No. 556 of 2007). All Parts of the Act for which the Minister of State has responsibility have been commenced.

The Disability Act 2005 (Code of Practice) (Declaration) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 163 of 2006; signed 6 April 2006) declared the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies an approved code of practice .

The Disability Act 2005 (Commencement) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 234 of 2007; signed 18 May 2007) fixed 1 June 2007 as the date on which the provisions of Part 2 of the Act came into operation in relation to persons under 5 years of age. The Disability (Assessment of Needs, Service Statements and Redress) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 263 of 2007; signed 1 June 2007) made various provisions to enable Part 2 of the Act, as they relate to persons under 5 years of age to have full effect.

Section 29 of the Disability Act 2005 concerning heritage sites will come into operation on 31 December 2007 and the Minister of State has recently requested the National Disability Authority to produce a new Code of Practice in this area in accordance with section 30 of the Act. A Declaration Order will be made by the Minister of State following his approval of such a code.