Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will explain the situation to the Deputy. Ireland is one of the first countries to have signed that convention, subject to ratification. There will be no undue delay in providing for ratification and it is the Government's intention to do so as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary requirements under the convention are being met.

Ireland holds to the common law tradition of not ratifying treaties until it considers that domestic law in general is in conformity with the treaty. Therefore, although Ireland has not yet ratified it this does not mean progress is not being made in meeting the requirements of the convention. It means that when we do ratify, the process of implementing the provisions of the convention will be enhanced. A number of other countries have decided to ratify first and then deal with the implications for legislation and policies which could prove to be problematic for them in time regarding the implementation of the convention.

In many respects, the national disability strategy comprehends many of the provisions of the convention. A group has developed a programme on which work is progressing to address the matters that need to be aligned with the convention. One of the key requirements prior to ratification of this convention is the mental capacity Bill which, as the Deputy knows, is due to be introduced to the House. The detailed provisions of the Bill are at an advanced stage of drafting and it is expected that it will be published in the current Dáil session. Work on what is involved by way of implementation of the various other provisions in the convention - which are extensive - continues in the relevant Departments.

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