Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
610. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice when the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture will be implemented considering that a commitment in the Programme for Government was set for within 18 months of the formation of the Government a target which has since passed. [28001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has already signed and ratified the UN Convention Against Torture and has also signed, but is yet to ratify, the Optional Protocol to this Convention (OPCAT). As the Deputy is aware, Ireland’s commitment to ratifying the OPCAT is set out in the Programme for Government.
The Protocol provides for the establishment of bodies known as National Preventive Mechanisms (NPM) which would inspect facilities where people can be held involuntarily. My Department is leading on the development of the legislation needed to facilitate the introduction of a multiple institution NPM model in this State which will allow for the ratification of OPCAT.
I am pleased to advise that the General Scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill is currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to submit it to Government shortly.
Subject to approval, it will then be referred for drafting and I hope it will be possible to enact the Bill without undue delay.
Once this process has completed, Ireland will be in a position to ratify the Optional Protocol.
