Disability Matters Committee continues its discussion on 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:

• Officials from Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Fergal Lynch, Secretary-General, Carol Baxter, Assistant Secretary, Úna Ní Dhubhghaill, Principal Officer, and Richard Quilliam, Assistant Principal; and
• Representatives from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner and Adam Harris, Commission Member and Vice-Chair of IHREC's Disability Advisory Committee.

In advance of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “The Committee believe that the voice that people with disabilities have actively taken under the Convention, and which all sectors of society need to hear, must not be silenced by Ireland not ratifying the Optional Protocol.  And the Committee and I look forward to hearing from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, on progress to date”.

The Cathaoirleach went on to say: “It is imperative that there is no delay in the implementation and ratification of the Optional Protocol.  The Government needs to take action, prioritise this body of work.  Changes are needed, and quickly. The Committee is here to assist in having the important conversations about what needs to be done.”

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.