asked the Minister for Health if the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, particularly regarding the rights of the physically, mentally or socially handicapped children to special treatment in education and care required by the children's conditions, has been adopted by this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - UN Declaration of Human Rights.
240.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1971. Ireland among others co-sponsored this resolution.
The declaration is a statement of principle and does not require to be adopted in a legal way. In practice, however, these principles underlie the provision of our services to people with a physical, mental or social handicap.