asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department received a communication dated 12th December, 1972, from the Religious Society of Friends pointing out that eight months previously the Dublin monthly meeting of the society expressed its concern that a number of important international conventions, including (1) the UN International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, (2) the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and (3) the UN International Convention for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination were unsigned and/or not ratified by this country, and when the Government intend to introduce the necessary legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ratification of International Conventions.
27.
The communication from the Religious Society of Friends referred to in the first part of the Deputy's question was received in the Department.
The position with regard to the UN Conventions referred to is as follows :
It is hoped to sign the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights during the course of the present year. Legislation will, however, be required before Ireland can ratify it, and it is not possible at this stage to say when such legislation can be introduced. The matter is, however, under review.
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide is no longer open for signature. Ireland can become party to it only by accession. The Government have approved the introduction of legislation to make such accession possible.
The International Convention for the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination has been signed by Ireland. The question of the introduction of the legislation necessary to enable this country to ratify the convention is at present being studied.
I should like to thank the Minister for his statement regarding the intention of the Government to introduce this legislation. However, in relation to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, can the Minister state why it has taken from 1966 to 1973 for Ireland to decide to sign this convention?
The principle reason for the seven years delay in this case was due to the fact there were several forms of discrimination against women in our laws and practices and until such time as this Government decided to remove all forms of discrimination against women it would not have been possible for Ireland to be a party to the Convention on Civil and Political Rights. It is regrettable this delay should have occurred but I am glad to say this matter has now been rectified.
I should like to thank the Government for implementing the decision of the Coalition in this regard.