Equality Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020

Thursday, 5 November 2020

Ceisteanna (178)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

178. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on Ireland’s vote of the election of the committee overseeing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in December 2020; if the decision has been taken to ensure that Ireland’s votes will ensure that women, persons with diverse disability types and persons from low and middle-income countries are fairly represented [34381/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Although my Department has no functional role in respect of Ireland's votes at the United Nations in the election of the Committee overseeing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I and my colleague the Minister of State for Disability of course take an interest in votes concerning the UNCRPD.

I understand that the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Ireland’s vote will take particular account of the following criteria: the need to achieve an improved gender balance; equitable representation from the various geographic regions including low and middle income countries; and finally to ensuring that the Committee includes members who bring expert and preferably their own “living experience” across diverse areas of disability.