Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 77: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government proposes to ratify the United Nations Convention on Disability. [23518/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 setting out the matters that need to be aligned with the UN Convention in order that ratification may take place and the work programme is being actively addressed by Government Departments.

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. The Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage of development in my Department.