Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
106. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to promote the inclusion of disability in international development through Irish Aid and representation at EU, UN and other international bodies. [9715/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is committed to addressing the needs and rights of people living with disabilities. This commitment is reflected in actions across our development cooperation programme and in our engagement with the EU, UN and other international bodies.
In March 2018 Ireland formally ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This convention seeks to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
The Convention recognises the importance of international cooperation in advancing its objectives and calls on all states to work in partnership with relevant international, regional and civil society organisations, in particular organisations of persons with disabilities.
My Department is making progress on disability inclusive development through our policy dialogue, through support for inclusive and accessible essential services, and through support for disability specific interventions.
At a global level we support the work of the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) to strengthen the capacities of developing countries, and in particular relevant government institutions and organisations of persons with disabilities for the effective implementation and oversight of the Convention.
Through our international development cooperation programme we provide funding to a range of civil society, bilateral and multilateral organisations engaging in health education and human rights work that specifically delivers for people living with disability.
Ireland's new international development policy will prioritise reaching those further behind first, including people with disabilities. Through the implementation of this policy my Department will continue its efforts to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.
