Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Ireland was in the first group of countries to sign, subject to ratification, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities when it opened for signature on 30 March this year. The Government established a high level, cross-departmental implementation group earlier this year to advise on any changes to the Government's national disability strategy that may be required to enable the State ratify the convention.

Ireland, among a substantial number of other contracting states, has not signed the optional protocol to the UN convention. The matter will be considered further in the context of a decision to ratify the convention. It is intended that the convention will be ratified by Ireland as quickly as possible consistent with the need to ensure all necessary requirements under it are being met.

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