Rights of the Child

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023

Thursday, 9 February 2023

Ceisteanna (287)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

287. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on his recent contributions to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6135/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is a major international human rights treaty that sets out the specific rights of children. The UNCRC was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989 and Ireland ratified it in 1992.

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, led a delegation at Ireland’s appearance before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), in Geneva earlier this year, with hearings taking places over the 24th and 25th of January. The delegation comprised senior officials from a wide range of government departments, with two officials representing the Department of Health.

A wide range of areas were examined by the committee including around education, inclusivity, justice, and social protection. Representatives from the Department of Health responded to questions raised around mental health, social inclusion, hospital waiting times, health assessments, and infant health. A key theme of all responses was the rights of the child under the UNCRC and steps being taken by Ireland to ensure the rights of children are promoted and protected.

Following the hearing, the Committee will make observations and recommendations to Ireland on the implementation of the Convention. My colleague Minister O'Gorman is awaiting this report and I am certain that all Government Departments will seek to engage constructively with the recommendations once received.