Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
292. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on whether Ireland is fully honouring its commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities regarding those with Down syndrome and their access to inclusive education and equality before the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48828/21]
View answerIreland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2018. This marked an important milestone in a process to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland that has gathered momentum since Ireland became a signatory to the Convention in 2007.
The approach being taken to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of progressive realisation, each year moving forward on key reforms, with the obligations arising from the Convention being met over time. Initial priority has been given to meeting legislative commitments.
Ireland currently has two whole-of-government strategies in place, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (now extended until the end of 2022) and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities, 2015-2024. These include important measures to support people with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. They encompass a wide diversity of people with disabilities, including those with Down's Syndrome.
These are the key frameworks for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland, and to improve their lives in a practical sense. They include actions on enabling people with disabilities to access education, to enter employment and to live independently. They are also the key framework for advancing progress with respect to UNCRPD obligations, including those raised by the Deputy. My Department coordinates these two strategies and my colleague, Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, chairs the NDIS Steering Group.
