Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
29. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to ratify the third optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure, which would enable children and their families to make complaints to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7302/13]
View answerThe UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989 and entered into force on 2 September 1990. The UNCRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, enjoying almost universal ratification by nearly all Member States of the United Nations. Ireland ratified the UNCRC in 1992.
The third Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was opened for signature by member states in February 2012. I have previously stated that it was my intention to sign the protocol on behalf of Ireland as soon as possible. My Department is currently finalising the State's combined 3rd and 4th Reports to the UN Committee on the Reports of the Child. When the report is finalised and submitted to the UN Committee, I intend to sign the third Optional Protocol in due course on behalf of Ireland. Ratification would generally take place some time after that, once the State is satisfied that the necessary legislative and administrative procedures are in place to enable full compliance. This matter will be assessed by the legal unit of my Department in due course.
