Peadar Tóibín
Question:79. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54476/12]
View answerTuesday, 11 December 2012
Questions (79)
Written answers
It is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.
The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Convention monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. At the Committee's request, the National Disability Authority, the lead statutory agency for the sector, is in the process of assisting it to assess the remaining requirements for ratification so as to ensure conclusively that all such issues will be addressed.
One of the key requirements in this regard is the enactment of capacity legislation. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a Mental Capacity Bill that is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Drafting of the bill is being finalised with a view to publication early in the New Year. The enactment of new legislation is one of the core elements of the remaining work to be completed to enable ratification by the State of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.