Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in the ratification of the UN Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities; if, further to a previous question on the matter, it has been indicated to him when such ratification will be possible; and when this will take place. [5210/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The position remains that it is the Government's intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary requirements under the Convention are being met.

The Inter-Departmental Committee established in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to advise on and monitor the legislative and administrative actions required to enable the State to ratify the Convention, has developed a work programme that is being actively addressed by Government Departments. The Mental Capacity Bill — the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform — is at present being drafted by Parliamentary Counsel and forms an important part of what is required to ratify the Convention. Ireland was in the first group of countries to sign, subject to ratification, the Convention. There will be no undue delay in the State's ratification of the Convention.