Disability Matters Committee to discuss the UNCRPD implementation and ratification of the Optional Protocol

The meeting at 12:30 pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House will hear from:

• United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Markus Schefer, Committee Member
• Members of the Spanish Senate, Comisión para las Políticas Integrales de la Discapacidad
• European Disability Forum, Catherine Naughton, Director and Pat Clarke, Vice President

In advance of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “The Committee believe that full and effective implementation of the UNCRPD and ratification of the Optional Protocol is needed to ensure that human rights become a reality for people with disabilities in Ireland and the Committee look forward to hearing from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in this regard.

The Cathaoirleach went on to say: “As Ireland and Spain are among the first countries to establish parliamentary committees to monitor the UNCRPD, the Committee and I also look forward to hearing from the Spanish Senate Comisión para las Políticas Integrales de la Discapacidad on their experience, and from the European Disability Forum who will provide key insights and perspectives into Ireland and the EU's progress in implementing the UNCRPD.”

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on the Oireachtas website.

The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.