Up to 700 disabled people, their families and carers last night called on the Government to make significant amendments to the Disability Bill.
A public meeting in the RDS heard that the Bill was seriously inadequate and would force disabled people into a "bureaucratic nightmare" in the search for essential services. Disability groups and service-users highlighted what they said were 10 flaws in the Bill which they want to see removed.
These include:
The meeting voted in favour of a motion seeking amendments to the Bill and resolving to campaign until their demands are met.
Mr Séamus Greene, director of the National Parents and Siblings Alliance, and the father of a young disabled woman, said the disability community's demands were reasonable. "We do not expect miracles. We have suggested that needs could be satisfied over a reasonable period. Disability activists have campaigned for two decades for this legislation and we are not going to be fobbed off with meaningless legislation that will destroy the hopes of disabled people for decades to come."
Ms Mary Keogh, of the Forum of People with Disabilities, said a Government-appointed group representing the disability community had been waiting since October for a response regarding amendments.
Dr Maurice Manning, president of the Human Rights Commission, said the legislation was "defective" based on analysis of international law .
Other campaigners and disabled people called for a campaign of street demonstrations and lobbying of TDs.
The Disability Bill is currently being debated in the Dáil.
In a statement the Minister of State, Mr Frank Fahey, said his Department would consider any written submissions.
