Cork South West TD, Holly Cairns, has criticised the delay on promised legislation for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and called on the Tanáiste, Leo Varadkar TD, to commit to bring legislation forward urgently.
The Convention protects and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. Ireland signed the Convention in 2007 but only ratified it in March 2018.
Deputy Cairns said:
“It is incredibly important that the new Government prioritise legislation to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It took a shamefully long time for the Convention to be ratified into Irish law and now those affected and their families will have to wait longer again.
“The Programme for Government commits to strengthening the rights of people with disabilities, improving services and providing better community support. I will engage constructively with them on this but hold them to account for any delays.
“A rights-based approach is essential to addressing the ongoing disservice to people with disabilities in Ireland. The pandemic has further demonstrated the under resourcing of services in this sector. Many day centres, respite services and social enterprises have not yet returned, which has put incredible pressures on people with disabilities and their families.
“On Friday, I will be raising these issues at the Special Covid19 Committee to help ensure proper support and funding is put in place.”
ENDS
Date: 15 July 2020