Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - Human Rights Violations.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

89 Ms O'Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the applications currently pending against Ireland to the European Commission of Human Rights which have been communicated to Ireland by the Commission; the subject matter in each case; the applications which have been declared admissible by the Commission; the applications currently pending in respect of which a report on the merits has been delivered by the Commission; the applications currently pending before the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe; the applications currently before the European Court of Human Rights; the judgments given against Ireland by the Court of Human Rights which have not been complied with to the satisfaction of the Committee of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The position in regard to applications currently pending against Ireland under the Eurpean Convention on Human Right is as follows.

A case, in which the applicant complains of a violation of the Convention because of the length of criminal proceedings, has recently been communicated to the Government by the European Commission of Human Rights.

The only current case against Ireland which has been declared admissible by the Commission and in respect of which a report on the merits has been delivered by the Commission is the case of Keegan v Ireland. This is also the only case against Ireland which is currently pending before the Court of Human Rights. The case concerns the guardianship rights of an unmarried father and the placement of his child for adoption.

The Committee of Minister is currently supervising the execution of the judgment of the Court of Human Rights in the case of Open Door and Dublin Well Woman v Ireland in accordance with its normal procedures. This case concerns the right to freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information.