Disability Matters Committee to discuss disability, mental health and aging with Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler T.D.

The Joint Committee on Disability Matters will meet on Thursday November 17th to discuss disability, mental health and aging.

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House between 09:30-12:00.

The following representatives will appear:

· Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler T.D. - Department of Health

· Assistant Secretary, Head of Social Care, Mental Health and Drugs Policy - Siobhán McArdle - Department of Health Disability, Mental Health and Aging

· Mental Health Policy & Clinical Specialist, Mental Health Unit - Dr Philip Dodd - Department of Health - Disability, Mental Health and Aging

· Principal Officer, Disability Policy, Niall Brunell - Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Disability, Mental Health and Aging

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: "We look forward to discussing aging, mental health and disability with the Minister and Department Officials.

"Under the UNCRPD, mental health falls under the category of a disability and therefore those with mental health difficulties are entitled to the rights under the UNCRPD. In relation to home care, Article 19 of the UNCRPD outlines that people with disabilities have the right to live independently and be included in the community.

"The Committee has previously discussed universal design and how this can be used to make buildings accessible for people of all ages and to encourage people to stay in their homes longer as they age and unequal access to the personal transport scheme for older."

"In terms of mental health, the Committee has discussed the Initial Report of Ireland under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and how Ireland will address poor mental health through a comprehensive review of the mental health act and creating positive aging through the National Positive Ageing Strategy (NPAS) and The Irish National Dementia Strategy."

"We welcome the opportunity to engage with the Minister on her Department's plans for tackling issues related to our ageing population and how to deal with the overlap between mental health and aging as it relates to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2018, and Ireland's international obligations under the UNCRPD."

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.