Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The Government intends to ratify the convention as quickly as possible consistent with the need to ensure all necessary requirements under it are being met. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform chairs the cross-departmental implementation group, the work programme of which encompasses all legislative and administrative matters that need to be aligned with the convention to enable ratification as soon as possible. To ratify the convention, we need to ensure legislation policies, programmes and schemes are in line with the articles of the convention. While the national disability strategy comprehends many of the provisions of the convention, Ireland will have to align those matters falling inside and outside the strategy with the provisions of the convention. The cross-departmental implementation group is doing this work. The law on the legal capacity of vulnerable adults needs to be addressed. The Department is preparing the scheme of a mental capacity Bill which will enable Ireland to meet the convention's legal capacity obligations.

We did not sign the optional protocol on 30 March, as it warrants close examination in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The Government will address the matter when it considers ratification of the convention. The protocol deals with the competence of the United Nations to deal with violations of the rights contained therein. Ireland is among many contracting states which have not signed the protocol.

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