asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland has ratified the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16th December, 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Resolution.
15.
The question of signature and ratification of the convention is under active consideration.
Could the Minister say how soon we are likely to decide about this as it has gone on rather a long time, nearly five years now?
It is being considered. It is under active consideration and it should be possible for us to sign it soon but I cannot put a date on it.
Is there any reason why we could not sign it? Is there any obstacle?
No, not that I know of.
There is no difficulty about changing the practices of the Public Service which will be affected by this?
No. I think the covenant states: "Party to the Covenant should move progressively to the full realisation of the rights enshrined in it."
I asked the Minister whether it is intended, in fact, to implement the convention when we ratify it. Does the Minister's reply suggest that having ratified it, we are going to go slow in implementing it?
No. I said what the requirement of the convention is. We did not make the convention.
Do we intend, in fact, to implement it when we have ratified it, without delay?
Oh yes. If we ratify it, we will implement it.
And to change the obnoxious practices in the Public Service covered by this?
The Deputy is running miles ahead of the convention he asked the question about. It states the State should go progressively. The Deputy is at full gallop.
The Minister is chasing a long way behind.