Brady calls on Government to ratify the UN Convention on Rights for People with Disabilities

Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and party spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady has called on the Government to honour their commitment and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Speaking at today’s protest outside Leinster House Teachta Brady said:

“Today marks ten years since the Irish Government signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and so far, it has been left as nothing more than that.

“In fact, to the Government’s and their predecessors’ shame Ireland remains the only EU country left to ratify this important convention.

“Government’s failure to ratify this convention has left hundreds of thousands of people living with a disability hurt and extremely frustrated. This also impacts on their families, on carers and indeed, on society as a whole.

“I have raised this issue with Minister McGrath and Minister Varadkar on a number of occasions and time and time, again the same excuse is rolled out.

“We acknowledge that there are legislative requirements needed to ensure that certain obligations under the convention will be achieved but, this does not excuse a ten year delay.

“I was delighted to join a number of disability groups and individuals outside Leinster House this morning and I commend them for organising today’s demonstration.

“I am calling on the Government ministers here in Wicklow, Ministers Harris and Doyle to use their influence to make equality the policy and ratify this convention without any further delay.”