Opposition parties are to back calls for a rights-based disability bill at an event in Limerick this evening.
Several Independent TDs along with Green Party leader Trevor Sargent, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and leading members of Fine Gael and Labour are expected to commit to the bill if they become part of the next government.
The are due to sign up to a four-point pledge that will include a commitment to enact rights-based legislation for access to services for disabled people.
The pledge includes a commitment to scrap the current Disability Bill - due to be enacted later this year.
It also pledges signatories to making right-based legislation a key factor in negotiating the make-up of the government which follows the next general election - likely to be in 2007. It also provides for new legislation to be in line with the State's human-rights obligations.
Mr Justice Feargus Flood, who chaired the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, which recommended rights-based legislation, is expected to attend tonight’s event organised by disability groups in the midwest. Leading national disability groups will also attend.
The groups say the current plan does not guarantee the disabled access to health and therapeutic services by right.