Róisín Shortall
Ceist:171. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated first and full year costs of reducing student contributions to third level fees by €100. [40749/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThird Level Charges
Ceisteanna (171)
Freagraí scríofa
It is estimated that the net full-year cost to my Department of reducing the Student Contribution by €100 would be €7.5m. The first year cost (i.e. for Sep-Dec 2018) is estimated at €1.5m.
Calculations are based on student numbers for the academic year 2016/17 and take into account the resulting reduction to my Department's Student Grant Scheme budget.
It should be noted that the Government is committed to providing a more sustainable funding model for higher education, as evidenced by the fact that Budget 2017 provided the first increase in investment in higher education since 2009, involving €36.5million extra funding in 2017 and €160million extra over 3 years. In addition, the Government is exploring the possibility of an employer-exchequer funding mechanism which could realise up to €200million in additional annual funding by 2020.
It should be noted that the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education found that abolishing student registration fees for undergraduate students while delivering the level of investment that the higher education system needs would cost the State €1.3billion extra per annum.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (172)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:172. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated first and full year costs of reducing the pupil-teacher ratio by one point at primary and secondary level respectively. [40750/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2017 represents the start of a major reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade. The budget provided for over 2,400 additional teaching posts for our primary and post primary schools in the 2017/18 school year.
Each 1 point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule is estimated to cost in the region of €16.5m per annum. Each 1 point adjustment to the pupil teacher ratio in post primary schools is estimated to cost in the region of €60m per annum.
It is my intention to make further improvements to class sizes over the life of the Government. However, I recognize that there are needs across the system which have to be balanced in the decisions made in each Budget.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (173)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:173. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the communications he has had with representatives of the Russian Government regarding abuses of human rights of LGBT citizens in that country and, in particular, in the Chechen Republic. [40220/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government closely follows developments in relation to the treatment of members of the LGBTI community in Russia and, in particular, the widespread reports of the persecution of gay men in Chechnya. On 5 May, senior officials of my Department met the Russian Ambassador to convey the grave concerns of the Government, and of the Irish public, at these reports. During the meeting, my officials urged the Russian authorities to fully investigate these allegations, to ensure that any such persecution is ended immediately, to provide all affected persons with the assistance they require, and to ensure the safety of activists and journalists investigating the reports of abuse in Chechnya.
At the Council of Europe Ministerial Meeting in Nicosia on 19 May, Ireland expressed serious concerns at reports of gross human rights violations against gay men in Chechnya. These concerns were reiterated at a meeting of Council of Europe Ministers’ Deputies on 31 May.
On 15 June, at the 35th session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland took the opportunity of its national statement to again highlight and strongly condemn the reported extra-judicial killings of LGBTI persons in Chechnya and the targeting of the LGBTI community there. In this statement, we again called on the Russian Federation to take steps to end the climate of impunity which allows these crimes to take place and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The European Union is also pressing the Russian authorities to ensure that the allegations are fully investigated and that those fleeing persecution are given full protection. The EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, raised the matter during bilateral meetings with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on 24 April and 11 July. On both occasions, HR Mogherini highlighted the serious concerns of the European Union and its Member States over the allegations and urged the Russian government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the rights of the gay community in Chechnya and elsewhere in the country are respected, in line with Russia’s international human rights commitments.
Passport Data
Ceisteanna (174)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:174. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the issues arising for mothers who have a different surname to their child, or children, in cases in which they are travelling abroad with that child, or children; if he has given consideration to providing the names of parents and guardians on children's passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40135/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A passport is an internationally recognised travel document which attests to the identity and nationality of the bearer. The Passport Service does not have any plans to expand the purpose of a passport to indicate a parental relationship between a child and his/her parent(s).
Parents are encouraged to complete the emergency contact details page at the back of their child’s passport which may assist in this matter, in particular for those parents and children with different surnames.
United Nations
Ceisteanna (175, 177)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:175. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to fund the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, supplies in budget 2018 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40137/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJan O'Sullivan
Ceist:177. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to increase core funding to the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, in budget 2018 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take questions 175 and 177 together.
The UNFPA is one of Ireland’s UN partners, and the agency’s work is closely aligned with many of the areas identified in Ireland’s Policy for International Development ‘One World, One Future’.
Hundreds of thousands of women and girls die each year in developing countries from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Improved maternal and reproductive health, including access to contraception, is an important focus of our aid programme and is critical to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
There is an important link between Ireland's support for improved maternal and reproductive health in developing countries and improved education outcomes for girls, also an important priority of Ireland's aid programme. Ireland values the partnership with the UNFPA. We provide significant core funding to the agency, totalling €2.8 million both this year and last, and this enables UNFPA to respond to needs as they arise - including in the area of supplies. In addition to core funding, we provide funding in our partner countries for specific programmes to improve maternal and reproductive health. This amounted to over €1.5 million in 2016.
My officials attended the UNFPA Executive Board meeting in New York earlier this month, and we will be considering our indicative budget for 2018 shortly, taking into account UNFPA’s newly approved global strategic plan (2018-2021).
Irish Aid
Ceisteanna (176)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:176. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the work supported by Irish Aid in Bolivia to promote the sexual and reproductive health of vulnerable and marginalised young persons in line with the commitment in One World, One Future to promote universal access to reproductive health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s Policy for International Development, One World, One Future commits to supporting efforts, consistent with the Cairo Programme of Action, to reduce maternal and infant mortality, and promote universal access to reproductive healthcare, including antenatal care and family planning services. In this context, Irish Aid supports a range of programmes related to sexual and reproductive health, including the work of the Irish Family Planning Association supporting vulnerable youth in Bolivia.
Currently, the Irish Family Planning Association supports migrant youth in the cities of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz who are at risk of falling into the cycle of urban destitution in urban slum areas. It works with local partner Centro de Investigación y Servicios (CIES) to provide proactive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and opportunities to exercise leadership, thereby contributing to the long-term goal of improving health status and developing awareness of rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 175.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (178)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:178. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to an organisation's recent report (details supplied) documenting the long-term impact of sexual violence on women during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and if he will provide aid to organisations that are offering essential medical, psycho-social and legal support to these persons and, on a European level, ensure that they have proper access to justice and reparation. [40170/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of Amnesty International’s report “ We Need Support, Not Pity” which gives a very disturbing account of the legacy of wartime violence, and in particular the horrific crimes of sexual violence which were perpetrated against the women and girls of Bosnia during the Balkan Wars.
I support all efforts to ensure that those affected are afforded access to adequate rehabilitation, including the medical and psychological assistance which is so critical to recovery. We fully support the assistance that the EU provides to NGOs with particular expertise in this area, for example Medica Zenica, Vive Žene, Udružene Žene and the Agency for Cooperation, Education and Development (ACED) and regard the support network they provide as essential.
Ireland continues to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path – an integral part of which is ensuring that human rights, including the right to justice, are fully respected. In the December 2016 Presidency Conclusions, the European Council emphasised “the need to continue handling domestic war crimes cases without discrimination, as well as addressing impunity and ensuring accountability”. Along with our European partners, we will continue to ensure that appropriate benchmarks are met in the key areas of justice and fundamental human rights.
The next country report on Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to be published by the European Commission in late Spring 2018.
Missing Persons
Ceisteanna (179)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:179. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Ireland will continue to contribute funding the International Commission on Missing Persons, ICMP, in Bosnia and Herzegovina (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40171/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is aware that International Commissions that assist victims and their families and take a strong role in capacity building are important to efforts to contribute to international peace and security. In this respect funding totaling €300,000 was provided to the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in 2005 and 2006 by Irish Aid, for their work in the Western Balkans.
Support for the ICMP in the past formed part of Ireland’s efforts to contribute to an effective and responsive approach to peace-building and the promotion and protection of human rights, which are important elements of Ireland’s Policy for International Development – One World, One Future. My Department has been engaging with ICMP to explore future cooperation, and is currently considering a request for funding for a programme 2017 which will be decided on shortly.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (180, 181)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:180. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will contact the Israeli authorities to inform them of Ireland's opposition to the deportation of four persons (details supplied) who were in Israel and Palestine on a peaceful solidarity visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40191/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRuth Coppinger
Ceist:181. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request clarification from the Israeli authorities for the reasons for the deportation of four persons (details supplied). [40192/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
I am aware of the deportation of these four persons. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was notified immediately by one of the persons, and we have since received letters from each of them about this incident.
The leader of the group has led study groups to the West Bank for over ten years, a total of 17 tour groups involving over 400 people. These groups met a range of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs and other interlocutors, and studied issues on the ground relating to the occupation of the West Bank. She had as usual advised the Department in advance of the dates and itinerary of the tour, so that our missions would be aware of a large group of citizens touring the area.
No detailed reason for refusing admission to Israel was given to them, other than a generic explanation that it was for immigration reasons, and in the case of the leader also because of unspecified ‘public security, public safety or public order’ considerations. Thirty-three of the group entered Israel, but four were deported.
No report or allegation has ever been made to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of any concerns about the activities of these study groups. The group leader has also stated that she has never taken part in any demonstration in Palestine, nor have any of her groups’ programmes included attendance at a demonstration.
The Ambassador in Tel Aviv has already called to the Israeli Foreign Ministry and requested an explanation for this action. We are awaiting a response. I will ensure that the Deputy, and the persons concerned, are notified when we hear more.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (182)
Clare Daly
Ceist:182. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the distribution of financial aid to Myanmar; the organisations that are in receipt of aid; and the amounts received for the past three years. [40194/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland began funding a focussed programme of development assistance in Myanmar in 2013 with the objective of meeting the needs of some of the poorest and marginalised communities and to help underpin peace, prosperity and the political transition to full democracy. Through the programme, Ireland is working with key civil society and other trusted partners to deliver practical support for food and nutrition security, meeting immediate humanitarian needs, supporting the development of the humanitarian demining sector and building capacity for responsible business. Funding to our partners totalled almost €1.5m between 2014 and 2016 or approximately €500,000 per year:
Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT): €750,000
Mine Action Group (MAG): €240,000
Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business: €150,000
Plan International: €234,500
METTA: €100,000
In addition to monies provided under the bilateral aid programme, a number of civil society organisations working in Myanmar received funding of €4.15m for humanitarian assistance and longer-term development programmes between 2014 and 2016 as follows:
Trócaire: € 3,665,751
Misean Cara: € 346,000
International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH): € 64,000
Irish Congress of Trade Unions: € 25,000
Plan International: € 50,000
Separately, Ireland provides core funding to both the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (over €11million provided in 2017). Core funding enables rapid scale-up in response to escalating humanitarian crises. These organisations are now scaling up operations in Myanmar and Bangladesh, including in border areas, to support those affected by the crisis.
Additionally, Ireland is a strong supporter of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which, on 7 September, announced an allocation of US$7 million to urgently help tens of thousands of people fleeing violence in Myanmar and seeking refuge in Bangladesh. These funds will allow humanitarian partners to scale up urgent aid by providing additional shelter, food and critical health care to those affected by the conflict, especially women and girls. This allocation is in addition to US$6.5 million which was provided by CERF for emergency relief to Myanmar earlier in 2017.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (183)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:183. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the political and human rights issues in Nigeria regarding pro Biafra activists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the disturbances which have taken place recently in South-East Nigeria. Ireland recognises the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria. Issues relating to Biafra, therefore, are matters for the Nigerian Government. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Government to create a secure environment in which civilians are protected from violence. I welcome the recent messages from Nigerian leaders on the need to maintain peace. Ireland, as a strong proponent of political freedom and human rights, encourages Nigeria to meet its international commitments in this regard. The Embassy of Ireland in Abuja continues to closely monitor the situation in South-East Nigeria, in co-operation with government authorities, civil society organisations, and our EU and UN partners.
Emigration Data
Ceisteanna (184)
John Lahart
Ceist:184. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland historically enjoyed a quota or a formal or informal arrangement regarding the numbers of emigrants to the United States; if so, the arrangement; the numbers involved; when this arrangement, if in existence, came to an end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40498/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulations governing immigration into the United States are a matter solely for the U.S. authorities and immigration from Ireland to the U.S. is not and has not been the subject of bilateral agreements, formal or informal.
Until 1965, immigration into the United States was based on a system of national quotas, with the quota per country set at two per cent of the foreign-born population of that nationality as per the 1890 US census.
In 1965, the US abolished this national-origins quota system. It was replaced with a preference system, based on immigrants’ family relationships with US citizens or US permanent residents, as well as other factors.
The numbers of Irish people being admitted to the US as legal immigrants has dropped significantly since 1965.
In response, successive Governments have sought greater pathways for migration to the United States by Irish citizens.
I can assure the Deputy that those efforts are continuing.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (185)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:185. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken recently to the US Secretary of State regarding the appointment of a special envoy to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The United States has provided immensely valuable support to the Peace Process over the last three decades and, as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government wishes to see this continue to the fullest extent.
At numerous critical moments, the friendship, encouragement and support of the United States Administration, Congress and people, has proved essential in providing all parties with confidence to move forward with the Peace Process, and this remains the case today. The United States is also an indispensable partner and friend in the ongoing work of the Peace Process to deepen reconciliation between communities and to realise fully the dividends of the peace.
In this regard, the Government would very much welcome the appointment of a new Special Envoy for Northern Ireland by the Administration, as part of its continuing support for the Peace Process.
The Government also welcomes and appreciates the bipartisan support recently conveyed to the US Administration by Members of the US Congressional Friends of Ireland group, for the appointment of a new US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. Ireland continues to greatly value the support, friendship and engagement of the US Congress, on a bipartisan basis, for the Peace Process.
In the immediate period ahead, the Government looks forward to the continued support of the US Administration and Congress in encouraging the parties in Northern Ireland to take the necessary steps to ensure that the devolved power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are re-established without delay.
Humanitarian Aid
Ceisteanna (186)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:186. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to assist the people of Yemen, particularly in view of the number of deaths of children due to malnutrition and the outbreak of cholera. [40661/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The people of Yemen are facing a combined humanitarian catastrophe of conflict, cholera and risk of famine. 17 million Yemenis are food insecure, including 1.8 million acutely malnourished children. In the last six months alone, the cholera epidemic has killed more than 2,000 people and infected nearly 700,000 others, many of whom are children. Yet, due to ongoing attacks and lack of critical supplies, only 45% of health facilities are functioning.
The extent of the crisis in Yemen is a source of deep concern, particularly given its devastating impact on the Yemeni people. Since 2012 Ireland has provided over €11 million in humanitarian assistance to Yemen, with €4 million provided this year to meet the commitment we made at the High-level Pledging Event for Yemen in April. This funding provides rapid and flexible funding to NGOs and UN agencies to deliver services on the ground, including health, water and sanitation, and nutrition interventions.
Ireland is also providing €20 million annually over a three year period (2016-2018) to the World Food Programme (WFP). Last month, WFP reached nearly seven million people in Yemen with monthly food assistance as well as specialized nutrition supplements to treat and prevent malnourishment among women and children. Our core funding of €9.5 million in 2017 to the International Committee of the Red Cross supports the organisation’s work in Yemen, where it is providing support to health facilities and on-site training to medical and administrative personnel in dedicated cholera treatment units. Ireland is also the 8th largest contributor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has allocated $84.8 million to Yemen since 2015.
Conflict is at the root of this crisis and Ireland supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and his team, who continue to work towards a peace agreement that is acceptable to all parties to the conflict. Ireland has also been consistent in calling for an impartial, international investigation into alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights law by any party to the conflict in Yemen, including at the UN Human Rights Council.
Together with our EU and UN partners, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and to work internationally for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Tree Remediation
Ceisteanna (187)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:187. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation regarding a resident's right to light when light is blocked from neighbouring trees in circumstances in which these trees are on private land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40209/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The difficulties experienced by property owners arising from trees and high hedges on neighbouring land were raised in both the Dáil and Seanad during passage of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009. At that time, my Department consulted on the matter with the Law Reform Commission, which had been involved in drafting the 2009 Act, and the Commission took the view that unreasonable interference caused by high trees or hedges was a matter in any particular case for tort law or more generally for planning or environmental law.
In England and Wales, for example, difficulties arising in connection with high trees or hedges are dealt with under Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. This Act makes provision for local authorities to determine complaints by the owners or occupiers of domestic property who are adversely affected by evergreen hedges over 2 metres high. Broadly similar legislation, i.e. the High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, came into operation in Northern Ireland on 31 March 2012.
The manner in which problems associated with high hedges and overhanging trees are resolved in both England and Wales and Northern Ireland indicates a clear preference for the resolution of such disputes at local level, preferably by mediation, with recourse to the courts only as a last resort. This is intended to reduce the risk of prolonged and costly litigation, and the risk that court proceedings could leave a legacy of bitterness between adjoining property owners and ill-feeling in the local community.
Under our existing law, a person may be in a position to seek damages or an injunction requiring the cutting of boundary hedges or trees under the tort of nuisance. In order for the nuisance to be actionable, the person concerned would have to show that an easement existed and that there had been a substantial interference with that right.
The Mediation Bill 2017, which will shortly complete its passage through the Oireachtas, does not deal directly with the issue of overhanging trees and high hedges. However, it seeks to promote mediation as a viable, effective and efficient alternative to court proceedings. The enactment of the Bill will contribute to the resolution of disputes by means of mediation, thereby reducing legal costs associated with such disputes and avoiding the stress involved in adversarial court proceedings.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (188)
Joe Carey
Ceist:188. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position in relation to ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [40430/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and since then, successive Governments have emphasised Ireland’s strong commitment to proceed to ratification as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are met. This Government remains committed to ratification of the Convention.
It is essential that the State is in a position to meet the obligations that it assumes under the terms of an international agreement from the moment of its entry into force for Ireland. Before the State can ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enactment of new legislation and amendment of existing legislation is required to ensure obligations will be met upon entry into force for Ireland. Ratification of a Convention before we have amended domestic legislation that contradicts it makes no sense and does nothing to ensure compliance or to protect the people for whose benefit the Convention exists. The previous Government published a Roadmap in October 2015, which sets out the legislative measures needed to meet those requirements, along with declarations and reservations to be entered by Ireland on ratification.
Considerable progress has already been made to overcome the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 was signed into law on 30 December 2015 and is a comprehensive reform of the law on decision-making capacity. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 has reformed Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 to facilitate the full participation in family life of persons with intellectual disabilities and the full expression of their human rights.
The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 was published immediately prior to Christmas and completed Second Stage in February 2017. The primary purpose of the Bill is to address the remaining legislative barriers to Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Work is ongoing on all the other issues set out in the previous Government’s Roadmap for Ratification published in October 2015 and these will be progressed as Committee Stage amendments. The Bill will be progressed to enactment at an early date to facilitate ratification of the UN Convention as soon as possible.
The precise timing of ratification now depends on how long it will take for this Bill to progress through the enactment process and on issues in relation to commencement both of deprivation of liberty provisions, which will be included in the Bill at Committee Stage, and of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015. The major issue at this stage is in relation to deprivation of liberty – in the case of persons in nursing homes for example, whose capacity to consent may be in doubt. This is a sensitive and important issue and we must get it right.
Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected to develop a proposal that is constitutionally sound and operationally effective and reasonable. The Department of Justice and Equality continues to engage with the Department of Health to assist with that work, but there is still some work to be done.
While Ireland’s not having ratified the CRPD is a recurring point of criticism by the UN as well as by domestic civil society and NGOs, it should be noted that in terms of quality of service and the actual position of people with disabilities in society, Ireland is in many respects in advance of other EU states. This is not to be complacent and we are continuing to take practical measures to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Report of the Make Work Pay Group was published earlier this year and already action, as announced by Minister Harris has been taken on its recommendations. We have a Comprehensive Employment Strategy in place and the Government recently published a new National Disability Inclusion Strategy (2017 – 2021). This strategy contains a wide range of practical commitments to improve the position of people with disabilities.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that ratification of the UNCRPD remains a very high priority for me as Minister.