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International Conventions.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004

Wednesday, 31 March 2004

Questions (49)

Arthur Morgan

Question:

32 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland did not sign the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families; and if the Government is considering signing it. [8022/04]

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Written answers

Ireland has not signed the convention. In December 1990 it was adopted by the UN General Assembly and it entered into force on 1 July 2003, following its ratification by the requisite 20 states. To date only 22 states have ratified or acceded to it. No EU member state has signed, ratified or indicated an intention to ratify it. The convention has not acquired universal recognition as a standard for the protection of the rights of migrant workers.

Ireland's position on the ratification of international instruments generally, including the convention, is kept under review in light of prevailing circumstances. There is also an ongoing assessment and prioritisation of Ireland's international commitments.

Where Ireland wishes to ratify or accede to an international instrument, the Government must first ensure that our domestic law conforms with the agreement. It must make any necessary legislative changes or be satisfied that none are required before ratification takes place. As signature of an instrument is an indication of an intention to ratify it, the Government would also intend to ratify, and take steps to do so, before signing an international instrument.

My Department examined the convention. In order for Ireland to ratify it significant changes must be made across a wide range of existing legislation, including legislation addressing employment, social welfare provision, education, taxation and electoral law. These changes would have implications for our relations with our EU partners and the acceding states, none of whom have signed or ratified the convention. They have not signalled an intention to do so. There would possibly be implications for the operation of the common travel area between Ireland and the UK. At present there are no plans to introduce changes in the necessary areas before Ireland could ratify or consider signing the convention.

Existing legislation protects the rights of migrant workers and their families. The human rights of migrant workers and their families are also protected under the Constitution and by Ireland's commitments under international human rights instruments to which the State is party.

Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
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