Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Dolan for raising a number of very important questions. I will address as many as possible and some of the HSE officials, particularly Mr. Pat Healy, might like to expand on particular items.

The Senator asked for an update on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I intend to ratify it and we have moved forward in recent weeks. We have had weekly meetings involving the Departments of Justice and Equality, and Health. We are dealing with the blockages relating to the deprivation of liberty and the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act. We have consulted with the HSE, the National Disability Authority and the Mental Health Commission, and have made major progress, particularly in recent weeks. As previously mentioned, we have met parents, disabled people and advocates. They have been lobbing me on this issue. We have been involved in a listening process. I have met individuals who have given me advice on how to progress the convention.

One important aspect of the UN convention is the decision-support service, DSS. Interviews have been held in recent weeks and we are coming to the conclusion of those. I am optimistic about having a director and a project manager in place as quickly as possible.

I will meet the Taoiseach and the Secretaries General before the summer recess to again drive the UN convention. The Senator probably heard that in his speech. The focus is on trying to move this forward as quickly as possible and develop the co-operation between different Departments.