asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended that before the end of this year Ireland will ratify those United Nations human rights covenants which we have not yet ratified; and if not, the reason.
Written Answers. - UN Human Rights Covenants.
451.
The principal United Nations human rights instruments which Ireland has not yet ratified are (a) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (b) the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights; (c) the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and (d) the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
As I explained to the House last month in reply to a similar question there exist certain obstacles in our domestic legislation which have prevented the ratification of a number of international human rights covenants and conventions. Accordingly, an interdepartmental committee under the chairmanship of the Attorney General was established in July 1983 to examine the problems involved and in December 1984 the committee produced its first report on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights including the optional Protocol to the Covenant. The report identifies the various obstacles in Irish law to Ireland's ratifying these two Covenants and details the changes in legislation that may be required to enable Ireland to comply fully with all the obligations of the Covenants.
It is my intention to present a memorandum to the Government shortly seeking approval for the necessary steps to remove these obstacles and for work to commence on the preparation of necessary legislation, with a view to ratifying these Conventions as soon as possible.
Regarding the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, it had been intended that the interdepartmental committee would also consider it in its first report. However, as the necessary detailed examination of the Convention would have delayed the report, the committee decided to concentrate on the two Covenants. I believe, however, that the committee will commence soon its consideration of the Convention and will report on the requirements necessary for Ireland to comply with its obligations under this Convention.
In December 1984 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a new Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Convention was opened for signature in New York on 4 February 1985. It is my hope that once the necessary detailed examination has been completed to ensure that our legislation is in conformity with the provisions of the Convention, Ireland will be in a position to sign and ratify it without delay.