asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason for the delay in ratifying the UN instruments in the area of race relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - UN Instruments on Race Relations.
26.
The principal United Nations instruments in the area of race relations are the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Ireland has signed both of these instruments and is committed to the ratification of both at the earliest possible opportunity. Before doing so however the Government, as has been the practice of successive Irish Governments in this area, is concerned to ensure that domestic legislation and practice are in conformity with the obligations which would be accepted consequent on ratification.
It has been decided in this regard to give priority to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Work is proceeding on an examination of the Covenant with a view to removing all remaining obstacles to early ratification and I anticipate that the Government will make a decision on ratification in the very near future. When this is done I intend to have steps taken to promote an examination of the obstacles in domestic legislation to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.