Vol. 521 No. 4
69 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken by him since June 1997 towards ratification of protocol seven of the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17403/00]
70 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he will proceed to ratify protocol seven of the European Convention on Human Rights; the steps taken by him towards ratification since June 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17393/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
Following the conclusion of the UN Covenants on Human Rights, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a recommendation which made proposals for the possibility of extending the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, so as to enable the Convention to co-exist with the UN covenants.
Thus, protocol seven of the European Convention on Human Rights created new rights relating to the rights of aliens in the event of expulsion from a state, the right to appeal a criminal conviction, the right to compensation for a miscarriage of justice, the right not to be tried or punished twice for the same offence and equality of rights between spouses.
Protocol seven was opened for signature by the Council of Europe in November 1984 and entered into force in November 1988. To date, all but five of the member states have signed this protocol, with Ireland having signed it in December 1984. The Government is currently considering proposals to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Irish law. It is expected that incorporation will be completed in October of this year. The question of ratification of the protocol will be considered in that context.
