asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intend to proceed with the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the Covenant Against Torture; when the necessary legislation will be presented to the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Ratification of International Covenants.
73.
The Government are committed to the earliest possible ratification of the United Nations Covenants. In accordance with the practice of successive Governments of ensuring that our domestic legislation is in conformity with an international convention before proceeding to its ratification, a careful examination of our domestic legislation was undertaken. That examination carried out in the committee established under the chairmanship of the Attorney General to review the situation with regard to the ratification by Ireland of various international instruments in the field of human rights, has now been completed. I am hopeful that it will be possible within a reasonably short period of time to bring forward the necessary legislation, including legislation on the advocacy of racial hatred, which will enable the ratification of the two UN Covenants to proceed.
The question of becoming party to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is being examined in the context of the consideration being given to the ratification of that Covenant.
The examination of the legislative changes required prior to this country becoming party to the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is being pursued with a view to completion at the earliest possible date.