Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Questions (117)

Seán Crowe

Question:

117. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether lack of compliance by Ireland with the European Convention on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities due to the fact that a number of sections of the Mental Health Act 2001 do not meet the standards of either convention is damaging the international reputation of Ireland; his further views on whether this lack of compliance hinders Ireland's ability to speak with authority on respect for human rights and the European Convention on Human Rights; his further views on whether it is damaging to the campaign for election to the UN Security Council in 2020; and the steps he is taking to ensure Ireland is in compliance with international obligations. [41746/19]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department acts as the Agent for the Government before the European Court of Human Rights. There are no outstanding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights finding the Mental Health Act 2001, or any section thereof, in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. Nor are there any pending communicated applications before the Court regarding the Mental Health Act 2001.

Ireland is due to submit  its initial report  under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in March 2020,  two years after we ratified the Treaty.  This document, together with shadow reports submitted by civil society, will form the basis for a review by the relevant Treaty Monitoring Body, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on how the State is complying with its obligations under the Convention.

The promotion and protection of the human rights of all is fundamental to Ireland’s approach to the United Nations, informing our work on gender equality, sustainable development, humanitarian action and peace and security. In seeking election to the UN Security Council next year, Ireland is emphasising this strong tradition of engagement on human rights at the UN. Should we be successful at the election next year, this tradition will inform our actions as a member of the Security Council.

Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 113.