asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is intended to ratify the Council of Europe convention on au pairs; and the obstacles, if any, preventing ratification.
Written Answers. - Au Pair Placement Agreement.
44.
Ratification of the Council of Europe Agreement on Au Pair Placement would have to be preceded by signature. It should be realised that Ireland's signature of the agreement would not increase the protection of Irish au pairs abroad. At the same time, the agreement is not based on reciprocity and therefore those states which are parties to it are bound to extend its protection to foreigners regardless of their nationality. The Department concerned with the welfare of foreign au pairs in Ireland are satisfied that adequate control is exercised over the welfare of the foreign au pair in present circumstances and do not favour the further legislative and administrative machinery that would be necessary if the agreement were signed. For these reasons it is not proposed to sign the agreement.
Irish girls going abroad for au pair placement who consult my Department are advised to insist on a written agreement with their host families before they leave this country. While they are abroad they have of course available to them the protection and care of the local Irish diplomatic mission. Similarly foreign au pair girls coming to this country have the protection of their own diplomatic missions resident here should the occasion arise.