Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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104. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation he is proposing for the establishment of the UNCRPD implementation working group and oversight committee; and his target date for the full establishment of same. [38129/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, article 33 of the UNCRPD requires State Parties to designate a focal point within government for matters relating to the implementation of the Convention and to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the CRPD. It also requires the involvement and participation of civil society and, in particular, persons with disabilities in the monitoring process.

The monitoring framework for the Convention will include the involvement of both the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the National Disability Authority (NDA). IHREC, as Ireland’s National Human Rights Institution and who is independent of Government will, with the assistance of the NDA, play a key a role in supplying periodic independent reports to the UN.

The Equality Division in the Department of Justice and Equality will be the designated focal point for the Convention as it has policy responsibility for the equality aspects of disability matters. The Division already provides the Secretariat to the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) which I Chair. The existing infrastructure in place through the NDSIG will be utilised to oversee Ireland's implementation of the Convention.

It is not possible to arrive at a precise budgetary figure in relation to the monitoring or implementation of the Convention as the process I outlined above is still evolving and it also includes co-ordinated efforts across a range of Government Departments. Individual actions across different Departments have associated cost implications which are included in the votes of the relevant Departments.

I have always placed a strong emphasis on securing adequate funding with €1.76 Billion allocated by the Department of Health for disability services in 2018 representing an increase of 4.4% on 2017. Furthermore, in December of 2017, I announced the securing of an additional €10 million funding for respite care.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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105. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated extra funding required to fully implement the UNCRPD. [38130/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) following a cabinet decision on 30 January. Following the passing of a resolution in the Dáil, the instrument of ratification was deposited with the UN on 20 March and the Convention came into force for Ireland on 19 of April.

Article 33 of the UNCRPD requires State Parties to designate a focal point within government for matters relating to the implementation of the Convention and to establish a framework, including one or more independent mechanisms, to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the CRPD. It also requires the involvement and participation of civil society and, in particular, persons with disabilities in the monitoring process.

The monitoring framework for the Convention will include the involvement of both the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the National Disability Authority (NDA). IHREC, as Ireland’s National Human Rights Institution which is independent of Government will, with the assistance of the NDA, play a key a role in supplying periodic independent reports to the UN.

The Equality Division in the Department of Justice and Equality will be the designated focal point for the Convention as it has policy responsibility for the equality aspects of disability matters. The Division already provides the Secretariat to the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) which I Chair. The existing infrastructure in place through the NDSIG will be utilised to oversee Ireland's implementation of the Convention.

It is not possible to arrive at a precise budgetary figure in relation to the monitoring or implementation of the Convention as the process I outlined above is still evolving and it also includes co-ordinated efforts across a range of Government Departments. Individual actions across different Departments have associated cost implications which are included in the votes of the relevant Departments.

I have always placed a strong emphasis on securing adequate funding with €1.76 Billion allocated by the Department of Health for disability services in 2018 representing an increase of 4.4% on 2017. Furthermore, in December of 2017, I announced the securing of an additional €10 million funding for respite care.