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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Persons with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

687 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government's position with regard to the proposed United Nations convention on people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12398/03]

The first meeting of the UN 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, 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.

In response to a request from UN Secretary General Annan to all UN member states, for views on these proposals for inclusion in his report to the ad hoc committee, Ireland along with our EU partners have submitted a paper setting out a common EU position. Ireland believes that 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.

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