Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 2

Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.

Ray Burke

Question:

29 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the high priority given to human rights issues in the Government White Paper on Foreign Affairs, which states the emphasis on human rights issues is an essential part of the approach to foreign affairs policy adopted by Ireland, particularly in the United Nations, if he will give details of the circumstances under which the Government has consistently failed to comply with the long standing UN Security Council resolution which called on all UN member states to enact legislation which would allow for the extradition of indicted war criminals to Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia for trial before the international tribunal. [24787/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

In establishing the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, the Security Council decided in Resolution 827 that all states should co-operate fully with the International Tribunal and take any measures necessary under their domestic law to implement the provisions of the resolution and the Statute of the International Tribunal. Security Council Resolution 955 establishing the International Tribunal for Rwanda contained a similar provision.

Consultations have been held between my Department, the Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General to determine what measures may be necessary to give effect to the resolutions of the Security Council in domestic law. Like the Deputy, I am aware of the great importance which attaches to this matter, and officers of my Department and of the office of the Attorney General have remained in close contact with their counterparts in the Department of Justice which has the primary responsibility for taking any necessary steps.

Ray Burke

Question:

30 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the circumstances under which Ireland, one of the first countries to sign Protocol No. 11 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, has become one of the last countries to ratify the Protocol. [24788/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Ireland ratified Protocol No. 11 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms on 16 December 1996. The Protocol was opened for signature on 11 May 1994. Over a quarter of those member states of the Council of Europe whose ratification is necessary for its entry into force have yet to ratify the Protocol. It seeks to reform the convention by replacing the existing non-permanent Commission and Court of Human Rights with a new permanent court. The Protocol represents the most fundamental reform to date of the European Convention on Human Rights and its control machinery.

Since Ireland signed the Protocol on 11 May 1994 preparations have been under way to ratify this instrument along with many other important instruments adopted under the aegis of the Council of Europe. Given the complexity of the provisions of the Protocol and the need for a thorough examination of those provisions before proceeding to ratification, I am satisfied that there has been no undue delay in this regard.