Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Committee on Disability Matters
Progressing the Delivery of Disability Policy and Services: Discussion (Resumed)
2:00 am
Mr. Liam Herrick:
The Deputy asked a number of questions. We will do our best to try to address them. If we cannot provide the specific information, we will certainly follow up.
The first question was about the review process under the UNCRPD. To explain briefly or to outline, and maybe other stakeholders have informed the committee of this before, the State has now submitted its report. We have done our independent report on the list of issues. In August, the UN committee will focus on what the priorities for Ireland are. Our report identifies - we do not give a percentage - a pretty wide gap between where we should be and where we are. The key thing for us is how this process can be as constructive and can assist the State as much as possible. If the list of issues focuses on what we feel are the most important issues - access to justice, independent living, deprivation of liberty and, in particular, the position of women - then we feel that will be of the greatest assistance to the State.
The examination will not take place until 2027. It is not that we can wait for the UNCRPD process to try to advance progress. That is not something we can do. At every stage of the process, we think more information will come out from the UN committee, which should guide the work of the Oireachtas and the Government in that regard. I think the second question related to transport. Dr. Elliott might wish to comment on it.
No comments