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International Agreements.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Ceisteanna (182)

Pat Carey

Ceist:

268 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work to promote the speedy ratification in 2004 of the optimal protocol to the UN convention against torture by all member states and acceding countries. [4579/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, on 18 December 2002, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the draft optional protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, OP-CAT. The EU has called upon all member states to sign and ratify the optional protocol. The object of the protocol is to establish a system of regular visits undertaken by independent international and national bodies to places of detention with a view to preventing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

There are 21 signatory states to the optional protocol. The following EU member states are signatories to it: Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Two states have ratified or acceded to the optional protocol. These are Albania and Malta.

As regards Ireland's national position in relation to the optional protocol, the question of signature with a view to subsequent ratification is under consideration. My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is reviewing national legislation to ascertain whether legislative changes would be required before signature and ratification of the optional protocol.

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