Reaction: The Disability Bill received a guarded welcome from groups representing people with disabilities. However, most reserved final judgment until they had examined it more fully. Carol Coulter reports.
The Human Rights Commission acknowledged that "much thought and work has gone into its preparation".
However, it added that it would be examining it further and wanted to be sure that the individuals concerned had access to remedies and sanctions which were "accessible, affordable, timely and effective".
The commission would also be concerned that the draft provisions in the sectoral plans would deliver "tangible results".
Mr Michael Ringrose of People with Disabilities in Ireland, an independent lobby group, said it was a "day of hope" but expressed some misgivings, saying he was disappointed that people's accommodation needs were not addressed.
He described as a "critical point" the fact that health boards could refuse services if they were of the opinion that resources were not available.
Ms Angela Kerins, chairwoman of the National Disability Authority, also welcomed aspects of the package.
The multi-annual funding should be flexible enough to take account of the assessments and the sectoral plans, she said. She welcomed the fact that a dedicated unit in the Health Service Agency would ring-fence provision for people with disabilities.
Ms Deirdre Carroll of the National Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities welcomed the fact that an independent assessment of needs would be provided but said the sectoral plans were very vague and that no standards were set for the services being provided.