Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Ireland ratified the UNCRPD on 20 March 2018. This marked an important milestone in a process to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland that has gathered momentum since Ireland became a signatory to the convention in 2007.

Ireland's approach to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of progressive realisation by each year moving forward on key reforms, with the obligations arising from the convention being met over time. Initial priority has been given to meeting legislative commitments and requirements.

I recognise the importance of the optional protocol, as does the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. As the Deputy will be aware, the optional protocol is an international treaty that establishes procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the convention. Ratification of the optional protocol is a commitment in the programme for Government following the State's first review period before the UN committee.

Due to delays at UN level, Ireland's appearance before the committee will now be delayed. The Minister of State and I have indicated that we are open to ratification prior to the first review before the committee but we are conscious that we want to have the processes in place domestically so that we do not sign up to something that we are already in breach of because we have not made the changes. I think that is sensible.

In that regard, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act was passed in 2015 but has never been operationalised. We had a lengthy debate at Second Stage debate yesterday, which will conclude today, on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill. This Bill will operationalise that and make some reforms to that. We see that as a key point in ensuring that we are ready for full ratification.

Alongside that, ratification of the optional protocol requires a comprehensive review of existing domestic remedies for breaches of the convention in order to ensure the state can meet the obligations. My Department is undertaking that review now and examining the final requirements for ratification and we will bring that forward as part of our UNCRPD implementation plan.

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