Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The development of a register of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) is a matter under consideration. Stakeholder structures and how public bodies can best meet the consultation obligations within the Convention are receiving detailed consideration in the context of developing the next National Disability Strategy (NDS).

Government is committed to implementing the UNCRPD. This includes commitment to Article 4(3) which stipulates that State Parties shall closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities through their representative organisations in policy making and implementation.

This obligation is one that must be discharged by each public body in the conduct of its own normal business.

My Department has made significant efforts to support this, not least through the funding and establishment of the Disability Participation and Consultation Network (DPCN). The DPCN was established to build capacity for the active engagement of disability stakeholders in the development of policy and legislation. A specific DPO pillar is funded as part of the DPCN. The DPCN model has been independently reviewed by the National Disability Authority and my department is examining the Authority's findings.

Work to develop the next NDS is considerably advanced. Alongside a broad and robust public consultation process, DPOs have been close consultation and design partners, with robust DPO engagement being a clear feature of the public consultation. In addition to this, targeted sessions with key stakeholders, particularly with DPOs, have directly fed into co-design of the strategy and will inform a Strategy that is shaped by the voices, perspectives and concerns of disabled people.

The NDS will take a whole-of-government approach to advancement of the UNCRPD and provide a framework for further and ongoing action, including in relation to stakeholder engagement, partnership with DPOs, and the responsibility of all public bodies to execute their functions in observance of the UNCRPD.