Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the timetable for the introduction of legislation to provide statutory enforcement powers in Northern Ireland similar to those available in Great Britain under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if he will make a statement. [94560]
§ Mr. George HowarthIt is intended that the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland will enforce disability rights from April 2000. The legislation to confer the necessary enforcement powers on the Equality Commission will be introduced shortly by means of an Order in Council. If devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly occurs before the Order has completed all its parliamentary stages the legislation will transfer to the Assembly.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the new rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will become available in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [94559]
§ Mr. George HowarthNew rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 were introduced across the UK from 1 October 1999.