Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The voice of lived experience is the most important element to ensure UNCRPD compliant legislation and this has not happened in Ireland’s case and that is true.

Equality is at the core of the UNCRPD. Why has this word been taken out from the title of this Bill? This is unacceptable and I would like to have clarification from the Minister on why this important word was dropped from the title.

Article 33(3) of the convention sets out the requirement to involve people with a disability in the monitoring process: “Civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, shall be involved and participate fully in the monitoring process”. However, it is again very disappointing that the opportunity to include persons with a disability in a meaningful way in the advisory committee to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in its monitoring capacity has not been taken.

The UNCRPD committee has recommended that States’ parties "establish strong and efficient focal points within each ministry and State institution responsible for implementing the Convention" and this Bill provides for a focal point in the Department of Justice and Equality for implementing the convention. Sinn Féin has continuously called for the Taoiseach to be in charge of disability inclusion and in this instance we believe that the Department of An Taoiseach would be the best focal point as it would ensure that the UNCRPD is given a cross-departmental focus which it most certainly requires.

We will of course be tabling amendments on Committee Stage that will address our concerns. In the meantime I would appreciate clarity from the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, on the points I have mentioned. I also call on him to engage with and consult civil society on all these matters. To rephrase the principle of "nothing about us without us" which guided the negotiation of the convention, the Minister of State must ensure there is "nothing about them without them".

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