Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 2

Written Answers. - Death Penalty.

Denis Naughten

Question:

54 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures which he has taken at EU or UN level to prevent the execution of a person (details supplied) in Missouri, USA; if he has communicated to the US authorities Ireland's position in relation to this execution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7842/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Deputy will be aware of the Government's total opposition to the use of the death penalty and the efforts we have made, in conjunction with our EU partners and in accordance with the common EU guidelines on the issue of the death penalty, to seek its universal abolition.

The case in Missouri referred to is of particular concern since the person on death row is reported to have a mental disorder and was under the age of 18 when the crime was committed. His execution would be contrary to the UN Economic and Social Council safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty, as well as Resolution 2000/65 adopted at last year's session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which specifically urges all states that still maintain the death penalty "not to impose the death penalty on a person suffering from any form of mental disorder or to execute any such person". We have therefore supported a Swedish Presidency proposal to make a demarche at State level appealing that the sentence of the person referred to in Missouri be commuted to life imprisonment, or such other penalty as is compatible with international law.

Ireland will continue its efforts to seek the universal abolition of the death penalty. At the 57th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights which commenced this week we will work to ensure maximum support for the EU-sponsored resolution on the death penalty.