Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2012
165. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography to be ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39554/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criminal law elements of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography have largely been implemented by the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 and the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008. Legislative proposals to enhance the protection of children against sexual abuse and exploitation, including exploitation through prostitution and child pornography, are at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department. These measures will facilitate full compliance with the criminal law provisions of a number of international legal instruments, including outstanding requirements in the Optional Protocol, and an EU Directive adopted in December, 2010. I expect to bring these legislative proposals to Government in the coming months. The Optional Protocol will be ratified as soon as practicable after outstanding legislation has been enacted.
