Timeline crucial to progress Optional Protocol of UNCRPD – Conway

A deadline for work to be completed on ratifying the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OP/UNCRPD) must be put in place, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Senator Martin Conway was speaking after Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman announced his intention to establish an Inter-Departmental Group on ratification of the OP/UNCRPD.

“While I welcome any steps to progress this, there is a lack of detail to this plan,” Senator Conway said.

“I am disappointed that the Minister’s announcement has no timeline for the working group to report and that the scoping exercise to guide its work has not yet concluded. Too often we see work delayed if set and surveyed by committees.

“Having a definitive work plan and timeline for delivery would demonstrate commitment and a sense of prioritisation for people with disabilities.

“Ratifying the optional protocol is a commitment in the Programme for Government and I am calling on the Minister to put in place a deadline for the work to be completed,” Senator Conway concluded.