David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 13 December 2007, if he has received advice regarding changes which need to be made to the National Disability Strategy in order to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from the high-level group, cross-Departmental implementation group; if not, when he expects to receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9023/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland was in the first group of countries to sign, subject to ratification, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities when it opened for signature on 30 March, 2007.

A high-level, cross-departmental implementation group was established in 2007 to advise on any changes to the Government's National Disability Strategy that may be required to enable the State ratify the Convention. This group has developed a work programme to address matters that need to be aligned with the UN Convention in order that ratification may take place.

It is the Government's intention that the Convention will be ratified by Ireland as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary requirements under the Convention are being met.

In so far as my own Department is concerned, there is a need to reform the law on legal capacity of vulnerable adults. The Government's Legislative Programme contains a commitment to bring forward a Mental Capacity Bill. That Bill is an important element of the programme of work on the Convention. I am glad to report that the Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage of development in my Department.

Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 147.