Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the intention of the legislation is an incremental step to get to a location where we are in a position to ratify the United Nations Convention. When we reconvene, I will read into the record of the Dáil, and it may provide the Minister of State an opportunity to work on this issue, a statement made by the United Nations with respect to how dignity must prevail in this area. As the Minister of State is aware, on Saturday, 10 October, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities made a comprehensive statement specifically on this area, and I hope and anticipate that if the spirit of what we are trying to achieve is to be compatible with the United Nations Convention, we may find a way of working around the language without having to force this to a vote. It is my intention to read into the record of the Dáil a statement on the issue of treatment of people who are institutionalised and chemically restrained and who are part of the closed convention.

This is important legislation and I acknowledge the dedication, commitment and actions of HIQA.

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