The Government has announced ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Last week, officials at the Department of Justice and Equality informed the joint committee on justice that the capacity legislation will not be commenced this year, but for the Irish State's compliance with the convention to be true that capacity legislation needs to be progressed. Is Ireland ratifying something with which it cannot comply? When will we see full compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities? Is this just an announcement of ratification?

We will ratify it; we are not just announcing it. It will create a focus on finalising the final piece of legislation required. Much of what Ireland has done in recent years with regard to disability is consistent with the convention. There is more to do and there is no question about it. Many countries ratify conventions while they are in the process of finalising the obligations that come with it. This is the position from an Irish perspective on this convention.