AQW 12273/22-27

Mr Danny Donnelly
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 21/05/2024
Answered On Date: 03/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQO 460/22-27, whether he intends to introduce legislation incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into law before the end of this Assembly mandate.

Answer:

As I outlined in my response to AQO 460/22-27, I am currently considering the next steps to be taken in the development of an Executive Disability Strategy, which I intend to be taken forward at pace. This will include consideration of the need for a review and reform of disability legislation, including consideration of incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into devolved legislation.

The making of an Act of the Assembly typically takes a minimum of 3 years from policy development stage to Royal Assent, particularly if there is a high degree of complexity. Review and reform of disability legislation will be wide-ranging and cross-cutting work that will require consideration and agreement across the Executive. Given the time remaining I will not be in a position to bring legislation forward in the current mandate, though preparatory work could begin as a key aspect of the Disability Strategy.

Final decisions on the content and the timings of the implementation of the Executive Strategy, including any potential reform of disability legislation in Northern Ireland, will be subject to Executive Agreement.