asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed to ratify the 1966 UN covenants on human rights.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Covenants On Human Rights.
39.
The Deputy is probably referring to one or other of the two United Nations Covenants on Human Rights which were adopted in 1966. One is concerned with Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the other with Civil and Political Rights.
I hope that it may be possible to sign both covenants this year. Ratification of the first may also be possible in the near future. As regards the second covenant however—that dealing with civil and political rights—legislation will be required before ratification can be effected.