Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As an important aside to Senator Boyhan, if we can assist that particular couple in any way in my Department, I ask the Senator to give me their details and we can follow it up for him.

People with disabilities are a subject of great importance that falls under my remit in housing. We brought out our national strategy for housing people with disabilities and I have published an implementation plan for that which is very up to date. It is something I am very committed to and have a deep personal interest in, aside from a political one.

Amendment No. 84 from Senator Higgins and the Civil Engagement Group seeks to introduce a new section to the Bill to ensure the mayor acts in a manner consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Ireland has signed and ratified. Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018 and, as such, is bound by the obligations to maintain the convention by a decision of the Executive. It would be both unusual and inappropriate to insert a provision requiring the mayor to have regard to a convention within the provisions of a legislative Act when the State has already ratified and agreed to the contents of that convention.

The amendment is also technically problematic as it appears be too vague to work in legal practice. The convention is a large instrument which cannot be transposed in the manner proposed by the amendment in a fashion that is legally sound. I know the import but we believe it is already covered in a national decision.

Aside from technical difficulties such as these, the amendment is unnecessary at a policy level. I see the provisions of this Bill as positive and progressive looking, and this is something I keep reiterating. The legislation brings greater local democracy and decision-making autonomy to the people of Limerick. From that perspective we do not believe the proposed amendment is necessary. It is already provided for in a national decision where we as a country have already ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018. Therefore, although I know the import of it, I cannot accept the inclusion of this amendment.