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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Abolition of Death Penalty.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

96 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has or proposes to influence the abolition of the death penalty worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22642/00]

The Government is adamantly opposed to the use of the death penalty and accordingly seeks its universal abolition. We believe that its abolition contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. The Government has expressed its opposition to the use of the death penalty on a number of occasions in recent years, and has taken up individual cases where these have been the source of particular concern.

In June 1998, common guidelines for EU initiatives on the issue of the death penalty were agreed and adopted by EU Foreign Ministers. These guidelines now form the basis for Ireland's concerted interventions, along with other EU member states, in death penalty issues. The Government is strongly of the view that an EU intervention carries significantly greater force than individual bilateral interventions by national Governments.

The guidelines state that, where the death penalty still exists, the EU will continue to press for its use to be progressively restricted and for moratoria to be introduced. In addition to interventions on the use of the death penalty in principle, it has also been agreed that, where the facts of individual cases suggest a violation of basic minimum standards under international law, the EU will consider making a specific intervention.

Since the adoption of the guidelines, the EU has pressed for abolition and has also issued demarches on the use of the death penalty in a number of countries, including the United States.
Ireland has also been and will continue to be active in international human rights fora in relation to the death penalty. In particular, we intend to use our influence at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and other UN fora, as well as within the Council of Europe, to ensure that the abolition of the death penalty worldwide becomes a reality in the not too distant future.
Question No. 97 taken with Question No. 7.
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