Menu
26/06/2006
Public authority duty to protect the disabled announced
Equality Minister David Hanson has today announced that disabled people are to be provided with extra protection, following the introduction of a new statutory duty.
The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Northern Ireland by Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People at the Department for Work and Pensions.
The new duty, which is to begin on January 1 2007, will help to deliver equality for people with disabilities in their dealings with public authorities by requiring them to consider what they can do to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people and encouraging their participation in public life.
David Hanson said: “There is no doubt that the public sector can make a real difference to the lives of disabled people. By leading the way in ensuring fair treatment for disabled people by improving outcomes from their own services, and by setting the standard for other sectors to match.”
The new duty will require public authorities to produce and submit to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland's Disability Action Plans which must show how they propose to fulfil the requirements of the duty.
These plans must be submitted to the Commission no later than 6 months after the January 1 2007 deadline.
The duty is one of a series of measures introduced by the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, which brought the whole range of public activities under the legislation for the first time.
Mr Hanson concluded: “Ensuring that all the activities of public authorities are now covered by disability civil rights legislation makes me confident that we have put in place a legislative framework that will be effective in driving real improvements in outcomes for disabled people when they are dealing with the public sector.”
(EF/GB)
The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Northern Ireland by Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People at the Department for Work and Pensions.
The new duty, which is to begin on January 1 2007, will help to deliver equality for people with disabilities in their dealings with public authorities by requiring them to consider what they can do to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people and encouraging their participation in public life.
David Hanson said: “There is no doubt that the public sector can make a real difference to the lives of disabled people. By leading the way in ensuring fair treatment for disabled people by improving outcomes from their own services, and by setting the standard for other sectors to match.”
The new duty will require public authorities to produce and submit to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland's Disability Action Plans which must show how they propose to fulfil the requirements of the duty.
These plans must be submitted to the Commission no later than 6 months after the January 1 2007 deadline.
The duty is one of a series of measures introduced by the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, which brought the whole range of public activities under the legislation for the first time.
Mr Hanson concluded: “Ensuring that all the activities of public authorities are now covered by disability civil rights legislation makes me confident that we have put in place a legislative framework that will be effective in driving real improvements in outcomes for disabled people when they are dealing with the public sector.”
(EF/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
21 August 2003
Guide aims to help balance disability rights with health and safety
A guide developed as a joint initiative between Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils, the Health and Safety Executive, the Equality Commission and Disability Action, is offering local employers advice on balancing disability rights with health and safety in the workplace.
Guide aims to help balance disability rights with health and safety
A guide developed as a joint initiative between Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils, the Health and Safety Executive, the Equality Commission and Disability Action, is offering local employers advice on balancing disability rights with health and safety in the workplace.
15 February 2006
New legislation to improve rights of people with disabilities
People living with disabilities in Northern Ireland are to benefit from a new legislation, which will improve their civil rights. Equality Minister, Jeff Rooker, today announced the Disability Discrimination Order 2006, which will increase the scope of legislation to include more people with disabilities.
New legislation to improve rights of people with disabilities
People living with disabilities in Northern Ireland are to benefit from a new legislation, which will improve their civil rights. Equality Minister, Jeff Rooker, today announced the Disability Discrimination Order 2006, which will increase the scope of legislation to include more people with disabilities.
17 July 2008
Staff Member Suspended As Care Home Abuse Probed
A member of staff at a County Derry care home has been suspended over the alleged abuse of a resident. The PSNI have confirmed that they will investigate the claim at Longfield Care Centre in Eglinton, after the alleged abuse was brought to their attention on 7 July.
Staff Member Suspended As Care Home Abuse Probed
A member of staff at a County Derry care home has been suspended over the alleged abuse of a resident. The PSNI have confirmed that they will investigate the claim at Longfield Care Centre in Eglinton, after the alleged abuse was brought to their attention on 7 July.
13 February 2024
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
UK Govt Outlines Full Details Of £3.3bn NI Spending Settlement
The UK Government has outlined the full details of the £3.3 billion spending settlement for Northern Ireland in a letter sent to Minister for Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
