Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an rún chun daingniú a dhéanamh faoi dheireadh ar choinbhinsiún na Náisiún Aontaithe ar chearta daoine atá faoi mhíchumais. Tá sé déanach ach, é sin ráite, tá fáilte roimhe. It is not a leap to describe this evening as historic for those who have been advocating for the rights of people with disabilities for many decades. As speakers have already said, it is a ratification which is long overdue, coming close to 11 years since Ireland first signed it. I mostly want to speak to those in the Gallery and those watching at home who have been campaigning for quite some time. Tonight is an opportunity to speak to citizens of our country who have disabilities and let them know they are finally going to be treated as equals in the eyes of the State. There have been inordinate delays in this regard which have, no doubt, caused people great strife and grief in many aspects of their lives that many of us take for granted.

Tonight is an opportunity to let children with disabilities know that Ireland is a country in which they are finally considered by the State to be valued as equals, and given an opportunity to prosper and grow in seeking and reaching their full potential, not inhibited by archaic legislation or an absolute lack of legislation that have seen the rights of many fall through the cracks. Tonight is an opportunity we grasp with both hands, working in co-operation with people with disabilities, recognising that ratification is not in and of itself a panacea, far from it, but part of greater progress.

Just like any other grouping or community in society, as time passes circumstances change, and issues arise that we cannot foresee this evening. However, and I speak as a member of a party that views equality as a core value, we must endeavour to work for and with the people, particularly those who have the greatest interest in the convention, and commit here to never prolong a process of acknowledging human rights as long as we have these rights.

I commend the Minister of State on this move and I commend those such as Senator John Dolan and my colleague, Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, who have been working on this for a long time, as well as all the organisations. In addition to recognising the significance of this development, legislatively, actions speak louder than words and if we are to be true to our word, and if the Minister of State is to be true to his speech and the fine sentiments expressed in it, we have to ensure the outstanding issues are addressed. The Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is still outstanding. Over 12 months ago, the Dáil was led to understand its passing was required for ratification but perhaps this is not the case. In any event, it is significant legislation with a great deal involved in it, particularly in terms of changes to Ireland's laws on voting, membership of juries and a number of other important civil rights. These issues need to be addressed.

I also cite the issue of the decision support service. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act was enacted approximately three years ago, but when representatives of the Department of Justice and Equality who came before the Oireachtas justice committee recently were asked about when it was expected to commence, a Department representative stated it would be ambitious if it were to be achieved even within this year. This is quite a delay to 2015 legislation. It is a very important service and needs to be prioritised and worked towards.

There are a number of other issues to which Deputy O'Reilly alluded. We cannot allow for derogations or reservations. We should pursue ratification in its fullest form and monitoring must include people with disabilities. Mar a dúirt mé, tá sé cuid mhaith déanach i ndáiríre go bhfuil sé seo ag tarlú aon bhliain déag ó shínigh an Stáit an coinbhinsiún. Más maith is mithid, áfach, agus is rud luachmhar é seo. Iarraim ar an Aire Stáit a chinntiú go leanann sé lena bheith sa tóir ar an ábhar seo. Ná déan ach an coinbhinsiún a dhaingniú ach déan cinnte go n-aithneofar cearta dhaoine atá faoi mhíchumais agus go ndéanfaidh an Stát beart de réir a bhriathar.

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