Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2021
179. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if or when the second optional protocol on the UNCRC which includes the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography will be ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24819/21]
View answerMy Department made a comprehensive submission to the Attorney General’s Office in 2019 seeking confirmation as to whether Ireland was in a position to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The advice received from the AGO stated that while Ireland is largely compliant with the terms of the Protocol, there are some outstanding issues that need to be resolved before the State can proceed to ratification.
My Department has been liaising closely with the Department of Justice and Equality as the outstanding issues identified by the AGO fall within their remit.
We hope to resolve these issues as soon as possible and I will subsequently seek Government approval for ratification at the earliest opportunity.
