Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Death Penalty.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland has endeavoured to mobilise the international community to bring about the abolition of the death penalty; if a specific programme can be compiled to enhance efforts to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2585/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

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.

As the Deputy is aware, in June 1998 common guidelines for European Union initiatives on the issue of the death penalty were agreed and adopted by EU Foreign Ministers. These guidelines form the basis for Ireland's concerted interventions, along with other EU member states, on 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 inter ventions 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 Union will consider making a specific intervention. Since the adoption of the guidelines, the EU has pressed for abolition of the death penalty and has also issueddémarches on the use of the death penalty in a number of countries.

Ireland has also been and will continue to be active in international human rights fora in relation to the death penalty. In particular, we will continue 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 seek abolition of the death penalty. At the forthcoming 57th session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, it is expected that the EU will table a resolution on the question of the death penalty. Ireland will work to ensure maximum support for the resolution.