Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016
350. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps necessary to ratify the UN optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. [15697/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my reply of 31 May 2016, I reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights as evidenced by Ireland’s signature of the Optional Protocol.
In accordance with Ireland’s standard practice, in order to ensure that the State can meet its obligations under the Optional Protocol upon ratification, it is necessary to carry out a thorough and wide-ranging examination of its provisions. As referred to in my earlier reply, this process will involve extensive consultation with all relevant Government Departments and Offices, aimed at identifying and implementing any measures required to give effect to the Optional Protocol.
Once the necessary steps to ensure compliance have been carried out, I will seek Government authority for ratification of the Optional Protocol.
