Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2014
27. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is her intention to ensure that the principle and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is fully reflected in all Ireland’s laws, policies and practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14202/14]
View answerIreland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The Convention includes provision for State parties to submit to the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child reports on the measures they have adopted which give effect to the rights recognised in the Convention.
The State's consolidated 3rd and 4th Report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, was submitted to that Committee on 2 August 2013. The report outlines the most significant developments for children and how Ireland has been implementing the main aims of the UN Convention during the period 2006 to 2011 inclusive. While, for Constitutional reasons, successive Governments have not formally incorporated the Convention into Irish law the report sets out the progress made in implementing legislation and policies that are rooted in the principles and goals of the Convention. A copy of the report submitted can be accessed under the "publications" link on my Department's website, www.dcya.gov.ie.
It is clear from my reply earlier in the week to the Deputy relating to the Children's Referendum that the core principles of the U.N. Convention are being reflected in current initiatives by Government.
