Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to ratify the optional protocol as part of ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42404/20]

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

170. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when it is expected to ratify the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42521/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 170 together.

The Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international treaty that establishes two procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Convention. The first is an individual communications procedure allowing individuals to bring petitions to the Committee claiming breaches of their rights; the second is an inquiry procedure giving the Committee authority to undertake inquiries of grave or systematic violations of the Convention.

The Programme for Government reiterates the commitment to ratify the Optional Protocol after the first reporting cycle. The Government priorities remain focused on addressing the remaining legislative measures to be taken to give full effect to the Convention.

The National Disability Inclusion Strategy is the key framework for policy and action to address the needs of people with disabilities. Through its actions, the strategy supports effective progress in delivering on the obligations set out in the Convention.