Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat a Leas-Cheann Comhairle as ucht an deis seo chun labhairt ar an topaic fíorthábhachtach seo anocht. Sinn Féin has long campaigned for the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and we welcome this legislation in so far as it goes towards that aim. As many Deputies have outlined in this House tonight however, it is shameful that convention has still not been ratified. I attended a meeting a year ago hosted by Offaly Centre for Independent Living and at that meeting there were very strong views and great disappointment expressed that we still have not got that convention ratified. It is just not good enough. We need to move forward on it as quickly as possible.

We share many of the concerns of disability groups and other non-governmental organisations in that this Bill does not go far enough. One of the main concerns that has been expressed to me and has been highlighted by other colleagues this evening is that there has been no public consultation with the various stakeholders on aspects of this legislation. We believe this Bill could be strengthened and we will be tabling amendments on Committee Stage to ensure that the Bill fully complies with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For example, while we welcome the provisions in respect of jury service, electoral Acts and expansion of reasonable accommodation, there is clear scope for the Minister to go further. The issue of deprivation of liberty is a core issue that needs to be addressed to ensure Ireland's full compliance with the UN convention, yet the Bill does not deal with this matter. Furthermore, this Bill provided an opportunity to include persons with disabilities in an advisory committee to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in its monitoring capacity. It is disappointing this was not done because the voices of the people affected should be always foremost.

Overall, while I welcome many provisions of this Bill, it is a missed opportunity to give full effect to the UN convention and our support is dependent on these issues being fully addressed on Committee Stage.

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