Government to ratify the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

The Government will ratify the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD), Minister of State for disability, Finian McGrath, has this week announced.

Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with a Disability will enshrine the rights of people with disabilities in law and will drive improvements in services.

Ireland signed up to the convention in 2007 and is now the only EU member state not to have ratified the convention to make its provisions legally binding.
The following is a time-frame on the ratification process itself:

· 30th January 2018: Government decision to authorise the ratification of the Convention of behalf of Ireland.
· Mid-February 2018: Passing of Dáil resolution on ratification of CRPD.
· End of February 2018: Deposit of CRPD instrument of ratification.
· End March 2018: Entry into force

Minister of State for disability, Finian McGrath said the decision by Government on Tuesday (Jan 30th) was a “watershed” moment for people with disabilities.

Down Syndrome Ireland along with other disability groups and organisations have long campaigned for the Government to ratify the treaty.

Minister of State for disability, Finian McGrath said the decision by Government on Tuesday (Jan 30th) was a “watershed” moment for people with disabilities.

“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,” said the Minister.

“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.”

At a cabinet meeting earlier this week, the Government agreed to prioritise all remaining necessary legislation.

“With ratification soon to be in place, I can now focus on using the Convention to better equip and resource people with disabilities to improve their quality of life,” the Minister added.

We will keep you informed of any updates.

30th January 2018