Ireland to ratify UN disability convention by March

Ireland will ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) by March, the Government has announced.

Finian McGrath, minister of state for disability issues, said the decision marked a watershed moment for all of Irish society.

Mr McGrath said: “Today marks a key moment, not only for people living with a disability, but also for their families, friends and support networks and for Irish society generally.

“Today the Government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities by approving the process to initiate ratification of the Convention.”

He added: “We will shortly bring a resolution to the Dáil that enables us to ratify the CRPD. This will be followed by the depositing of the instrument of amalgamation with the United Nations. The Convention enters into force 30 days after being deposited.”

The Government said it will prioritise remaining necessary legislation.

Mr McGrath said: “The Disability (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill will be enacted by the end of 2018 along with a new Bill to provide safeguards for older people, persons with a disability and certain categories of people with mental health issues to ensure that they are not unlawfully deprived of their liberty in residential facilities.”