My question relates to page 70 of the programme for Government and impending legislation. It is on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Despite the then Government signing the convention in 2007, Ireland is the only EU country that has not ratified it. This is an incredibly important human rights treaty. It is an absolute affront to people with disabilities in this country that it has not been signed. I include in this regard those with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities. I appreciate that the legislation is at the pre-legislative stage. It behoves us, as an inclusive society, to ratify the convention as soon as possible. Any progress on this would be very welcome by people with disabilities, their families and those who support them.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. It is an issue that the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, has outlined as a very important priority for him and the Government. It is listed for this session and there is an enormous amount of engagement now taking place between the Attorney General, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Health on it. Alongside progressing the Bill and its signing - a matter to which I have referred - the Government is also looking to make progress in dealing with the practical and funding issues that people and families face when dealing with the issue of disability. That is why we have increased allowances that are important for that sector for the first time since 2009, recognising the challenges those with disabilities and their families face. That is why additional funding for that sector has been put in place for the first time in a number of years.