Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2019
110. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received a copy of the United Nations special rapporteur report on the sale and sexual exploitation of children here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12538/19]
View answerIreland has issued a standing invitation to the holders of all United Nations special procedure mandates, to undertake visits to Ireland. In this regard, my Department organised an extensive programme for the visit of the Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children, Ms Maud de Boer-Buquiccio, from 14-18 May 2018, in cooperation with relevant Government Departments and agencies. This included meetings with my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.
The Special Rapporteur’s Report on her country visit to Ireland was formally presented to the Human Rights Council on 5 March 2019. In response, Ireland delivered a statement highlighting activities being undertaken by the State in relation to the issues raised in the report.
While my Department coordinated the visit and the response, the Report's recommendations related mainly to issues under the aegis of other Government Departments and agencies. It will be for them therefore to take the appropriate action on any recommendations relevant to their areas of functional responsibility.
