Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
122. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a commitment that the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child will be ratified following the enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking Bill) 2023. [50032/23]
View answerThe Government is firmly committed to ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, several legislative measures have been implemented which were necessary to ensure that Ireland is in compliance with the obligations of the Optional Protocol. Enactment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 and the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 were significant steps on the pathway to the ratification of the Optional Protocol.
Further legislative amendments relating to the extra-territorial jurisdiction requirements under Article 3.1 are intended to ensure that the State is in compliance with certain outstanding aspects of the Protocol. These amendments were included in the General Scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which is currently before Dáil Éireann, third stage (as of 4 October 2023).
Once enacted, my Department will consult further with the Attorney General’s office on the next steps. This will include working to ensure readiness in all relevant Departments.
