Dan Neville
Question:165 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of his opposition at EU level to the proposed UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. [11160/03]
Written Answers. - UN Conventions.
I am not opposed to the proposed UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and I have been consulted upon and fully agree with the position being taken by Ireland on this matter.
In response to a request from UN Secretary General Annan to all UN member states, for views on proposals for inclusion in his report to the ad hoc committee to consider proposals for a comprehensive and integral international convention on protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, Ireland along with our EU partners submitted a paper setting out a common EU position. The first meeting of the UN ad hoc committee was held in New York from 29 July to 9 August 2002. The next meeting of the committee will be held from 16 to 27 June next in New York.
Ireland believes the guiding principle of any new legal instrument in the area of disability should be to ensure that persons with disabilities can better enjoy their human rights. Ireland, along with our EU partners, will aim to ensure that the processes and outcomes of the ad hoc committee meet this principle. In advance of its next meeting, Ireland will work with our EU partners in an effort to reach a common position in regard to the future work of the ad hoc committee.