asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is the intention of the Government to ratify (a) the International Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights (b) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (c) the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and (d) the International Convention Against Torture; when it is expected that the Government will be in a position to ratify these agreements; the changes which are required in domestic law to allow them to be ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ratification of UN Covenants.
46.
The Government are committed to the earliest possible ratification of the United Nations Covenants. In accordance with the practice of successive Governments of ensuring that our domestic legislation is in conformity with an international instrument before proceeding to its ratification, a careful examination of our domestic legislation was undertaken. That examination, carried out by the committee established under the chairmanship of the Attorney General to review the situation with regard to the ratification by Ireland of various international instruments in the field of human rights, has now been completed.
Arising from this review I am hopeful that legislation on the advocacy of hatred on racial or other grounds will be brought forward within a reasonably short period. Legislation at present before the House provides for the abolition of death sentences for crimes committed by persons under 18 years of age. As required by the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Although no legislative changes have been found necessary in respect of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it is thought desirable that both Covenants should be ratified at the same time.
The question of becoming party to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is being examined in the context of the consideration being given to the ratification of that Covenant.
The examination of the legislative changes required prior to this country becoming party to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is being pursued with a view to completion at the earliest possible date.