Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the work on the implementation of the sustainable development goals; and if Ireland will support the disability caucus call for segregation by functional ability. [37695/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The UN Summit in New York in September adopted a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets to guide development policy and action for the next fifteen years. Ireland played a key role in framing the parameters of the new agenda at both EU and UN levels, and succeeded in brokering consensus among all 193 Member States of the UN as co-facilitator in the final phase of the UN negotiations.

Throughout the process, Ireland strongly supported an inclusive framework that reflects the rights of all, including those living with disabilities. This is reflected in the 17 SDGs, with a vision for a just, equitable, and socially inclusive world in which the needs of the most vulnerable are met.

The SDGs bring a renewed focus on ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities and the inclusion of data on disabilities. Specifically, the agreed agenda, with its commitment to leave no one behind, commits to strengthening the availability of data disaggregated by disability. This is an area on which Ireland has been and will continue to be a strong proponent.

The universal nature of the SDGs will require all countries to take action. In common with our EU partners, we will focus on developing the most appropriate institutional framework to deliver the new development agenda at home and abroad.

Our Policy for International Development, One World, One Future, already highlights Ireland's clear commitment to addressing the rights and needs of people with disabilities. We are committed to devoting more resources to this area, by supporting specific initiatives as well as ensuring that these issues are effectively integrated into our ongoing work. Our aid programme will play a vital role in the implementation of our commitment to the SDGs and our efforts to promote the rights and needs of vulnerable people, including those with disabilities.