Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2022
149. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on recent discussions he has had regarding the proposed convention on the rights of older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23630/22]
View answerIreland is committed to strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons and to promoting a better mainstreaming of the human rights of older persons through the work of the UN.
We engage with the Open Ended Working Group on Aging through the European Union, in partnership with fellow EU Member States. The Group considers the existing international framework of the human rights of older persons and identifies possible gaps and how best to address them, including by considering, as appropriate, the feasibility of further instruments and measures.
I believe it is important that existing human rights instruments are effectively implemented; to improve the situation of older persons, to make their contributions and their needs more visible, and to strengthen the protection of their human rights.
Ireland and our fellow EU Member States consider that regular, coherent and comprehensive discussions within the UN on aging issues are key in order to identify adequate and sustainable solutions for the needs of older persons.
The statement delivered by the EU on behalf of its Member States and others at the 12th working session (11-14 April 2022) is published on the relevant UN website: social.un.org/ageing-working-group/ . In the statement, the EU, inter alia, outlined initiatives at EU level that further the overall goals of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Aging including the proposed Equal Treatment Directive which covers non-discrimination on all grounds, including age, in essential fields such as education, health care and access to and supply of goods and services available to the public, including housing.
