Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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390. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ensure that the ratification process for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Optional Protocol occurs separately to the first reporting cycle in the UNCRPD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34894/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government reiterates the commitment to ratify the Optional Protocol after the first reporting cycle. That timeline remains the objective.

This position has been based on the assumption that Ireland's initial State Report would be examined by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. If it emerges that there are delays in the scheduling of Ireland's appearance before the Committee, my Department will begin the work to assess the actions needed for ratification of the Optional Protocol. That process would begin following the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and when the Decision Support Service is operational, both of which are due to occur by the end of June 2022.

Ultimately, the recommendation on ratification will be taken to Government in a memorandum brought by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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392. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to make reservations to the UNCRPD Optional Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34896/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Ahead of ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Optional Protocol, my Department will assess the requirements for ratification. This will include an assessment as to whether or not potential reservations are needed. It is too early at this stage to indicate whether or not Ireland will make reservations in the context of ratifying the Optional Protocol.