asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made at the UN to have the death penalty abolished universally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death Penalty Abolition.
34.
The question of capital punishment has been under continuing study in the United Nations since 1959 when the General Assembly adopted its first resolution on the subject. Since that time, through the efforts of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, the United Nations has sought to encourage a progressive restriction of the number of capital offences and the introduction of legal safeguards for those under sentence of death with a view to the ultimate abolition of the death penalty. The United Nations Secretary-General has also produced periodic reports aimed at stimulating a greater national and international awareness of the issues involved.
The most recent report of the Secretary-General suggests that a majority of member States have moved over the years towards a position favouring the eventual abolition of the death penalty. However, given the differing juridical traditions of the member States, it may be expected that the goal of universal abolition will take a long time to achieve.