Ciarán Cuffe
Question:645 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government will ratify the European Convention on Human Rights. [11840/03]
Written Answers. - European Convention on Human Rights.
Ireland signed the European Convention on Human Rights on 4 November 1950 and ratified it on 25 February 1953. I might add that while the State has been bound by the convention for over 50 years now, its provisions cannot be pleaded directly before Irish courts. As a result of a commitment given by the Government in the Good Friday Agreement, the European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001 which is awaiting Report Stage in this House, contains the necessary provisions to give further effect to the convention in Irish law. The Bill will come into effect by ministerial order to be made within six months of the date of its enactment.