82. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on her Department’s work on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. [32481/25]

Sentiment score: 0.14

I welcome the Department's leadership in advancing the national disability strategy. The shift towards to a whole-of-government approach embedding the UNCRPD into policy across Departments is critical to making rights real for people with disabilities. The move of disability policy from the Department of Health to the Minister of State's Department was a significant step towards a right-based model and the upcoming strategy is a real opportunity to build on that momentum. However, the key to this success will not just be policy alignment but real implementation and measurable outcomes. Many individuals and disability organisations are anxious to see concrete timelines. Thankfully, the Minister of State was able to provide me with those. The implementation of the UNCRPD is to be monitored by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, and the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Can the Minister of State assure me that this is going to happen?

Sentiment score: 0.20

I appreciate the update on the Department's engagement with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UNCRPD is not just about legal commitments; it is also about meaningful lived change for people with disabilities throughout the country. The first report in 2021 was an important step but real transparency and accountability come from continuous engagement with the committee and stakeholders here at home. Organisations like the IHREC and the disabled persons' organisations, DPOs, have a critical role in this. Can the Minister of State clarify whether the Department has received feedback on recommendations from the UN committee following the 2021 submission? When is the next periodic report due to be submitted? It would be helpful to know about what consultations will take place to ensure that people with disabilities are meaningfully involved in shaping that report.

Sentiment score: 0.34