An estimated 30,000 people in the State with disabilities, who are also lesbian, gay or bisexual, are further disadvantaged because of their sexual orientation, according to a report which was published yesterday by the National Disability Authority.
The discussion paper said disabled people who were lesbian, gay or bisexual were subject to a complex array of prejudices.
It said "coming out" was particularly difficult for disabled lesbians, gay men and bisexuals, since their disability prevented them from being accepted into the gay subculture, while openly expressing their homosexuality created a distance from their disabled peers.
The report recommended that the Disability Bill, which proposes the introduction of needs assessments, should address sexuality and include sexual and social needs.
The discussion document said that there was insufficient research carried out into sexual orientation and disability both nationally and internationally.
"Research needs to be undertaken into lives, experiences and needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual disabled people living across Ireland, including rural areas."
Speaking at the publication of the discussion paper, the chairwoman of the National Disability Authority, Angela Kerins, said that an inclusive Irish society for people with disabilities requires that such individuals have equal access and opportunities to all aspects of economic, social and cultural life.
