Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - UN Convention Against Torture.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

378 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the optional protocol to the Convention against Torture adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2002 and its implications for Ireland. [17523/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As the Deputy is aware the optional protocol provides for the establishment of an independent and efficient international visiting mechanism for the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Ireland, along with other EU partners, fully supported the draft optional protocol and worked for its adoption at the UN General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights.

The two-pillar system provided for in the optional protocol, combining compulsory visits to places of detention both by national mechanisms and an international body, will prove to be an effective tool in assisting states, parties to the optional protocol, in their efforts to prevent torture. Ireland's position in the ratification of international instruments generally, including the optional protocol, is constantly reviewed in light of prevailing circumstances and in the context of the ongoing assessment and prioritisation of Ireland's international commitments. My Department is currently reviewing our national legislation to ascertain whether any legislative changes would be necessary before signature and ratification of the optional protocol.