Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:114 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made towards ratification of Protocol 7 on additional rights and Protocol 12 on non-discrimination to the European Convention on Human Rights. [2228/01]
Written Answers. - International Treaties and Conventions.
As regards Protocol 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights discussions have been taking place with the relevant Departments with a view to ratification of this protocol. These discussions are coming to a conclusion and I hope to be in a position to deposit the instrument of ratification with the Council of Europe at an early date.
Protocol 12 was opened for signature on the occasion of the commemoration ceremonies for the 50th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights on 3 and 4 November 2000. The protocol was signed, subject to ratification, by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on that occasion. The question of the ratification of this protocol will be a matter for discussion with the relevant Departments in the coming months. I cannot at this stage anticipate when we will be in a position to ratify the protocol, but I will be anxious to ensure that this is done as soon as possible.