Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2004
83 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made on the UN convention on the rights of people with disabilities; the approach the Government is taking on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16336/04]
View answerIn December, 2001, the General Assembly of the United Nations established an ad hoc committee to consider proposals for a UN convention to promote and protect the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. The first meeting of the ad hoc committee took place in New York from 29 July to 9 August 2002 and was concerned mainly with procedural matters. At the second meeting in June 2003, it was decided that a working group would be established to prepare a draft text of a convention for discussion at the third meeting of the ad hoc committee between 24 May and 4 June 2004. The working group comprises governmental representatives designated by the regional groups, representatives of non-governmental organisations accredited to the committee and representatives from national human rights institutions. Ireland was selected to participate in the working group representing the western European group.
The current meeting of the ad hoc committee in New York is being attended by representatives of my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs. A representative of the non-governmental organisation, People with Disabilities in Ireland Ltd., PwDI, is also attending as a member of the Irish delegation. PwDI provides a representative structure at national and local levels to individuals with disabilities, their families, carers and advocates.
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, Ireland, along with its EU partners submitted a paper setting out a common EU position. As part of the process for advancing the drafting of a convention, member states of the EU continue to work together to prepare a common EU position at ad hoc committee meetings. As the current holder of the EU Presidency, Ireland will present the common EU position to the UN during the current proceedings. In addition, the European Commission will participate in discussions in the areas in which it exercises competency.
Ireland believes the guiding principle of a new legal instrument in the area of disability should be to ensure persons with disabilities can better enjoy their human rights. Ireland along with its EU partners will aim to ensure the processes and outcomes of the ad hoc committee meet this principle.
