Disability Matters Committee to discuss the UNCRPD Implementation and the Optional Protocol with the Minister for Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Colm O’Conail, Assistant Secretary General, Niall Brunell, Principal Officer, Tara Smith, Assistant Principal Officer and John Gilbane, Assistant Principal Officer will also appear at the meeting.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “We look forward to discussing how the Government is working to address the issues facing people with disabilities and advancing their rights under the UNCPRD.”

“Ratification of the Optional Protocol following the State’s first review period before the UN Committee is a commitment in the Programme for Government but it has faced delays so we look forward to receiving a status update on this from the Minister and his Officials.”

“The development of the successor strategy to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD and the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act are among the items we will discuss."

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.