Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister that we need accountability. Regarding the announcement around the accession to the optional protocol, the lack of clarity around timelines has been quite dubious. I found it deeply strange there was no clarification. The announcement did not say when it would be signed or lodged, just that the Government was choosing to accede. This was announced after the budget, so there was no new funding for vindication of the optional protocol.

I have been trying to get clarity on whether the instrument has been signed and deposited to the Secretary General. The Minister said it has been signed, is with the UN and is "over there". What does that imply? I feel this is another commitment in principle. The Minister says it will be by year end, but there is an election coming. People with disabilities have been waiting a long time for the UNCRPD to be ratified but this further delay with the optional protocol is disappointing.

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