Ireland to ratify UN convention on disability rights

Ireland is set to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities this year.

Government minister Finian McGrath told The Irish Times: “I want the convention ratified by Christmas.

“I want to ensure that every adult with intellectual disability and physical disability will have rights to services in the state and the right to equality of treatment.”

Ireland signed the Convention in 2007 and Mr McGrath, who has special responsibility for disability issues, said further delays to its ratification could not be justified.

Only two other EU member states have yet to incorporate the Convention into law.

Legislative changes required in Ireland include changes to the Juries Act 1976 and the Electoral Acts to remove provisions making all people with mental disabilities ineligible to serve as a juror or TD.