Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 3

Written Answers. - European Convention on Human Rights.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

13 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Irish law; if it is intended to be a direct incorporation or an interpretative incorporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20184/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Government at its meeting on 21 September 2000 authorised the drafting of a Bill to provide that, subject to the Constitution, and in so far as it is possible to do so, legislation should be construed and given effect to in a way which is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. I expect the legislation will be published during the present Dáil session.

This decision which was taken after much detailed consideration of all the relevant issues, favours the indirect or interpretative model of incorporation. It mirrors the approach adopted in the UK in the Human Rights Act, 1998, the provisions of which came into effect generally throughout the UK on Tuesday last, except in the case of Scotland, where the Act came into effect on devolution in June of last year.