Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

The United Nations Convention against Corruption has been indicated for signature and ratification. I also wish to ask about the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture. The terms of the Good Friday Agreement require human rights legislation North and South to be on the same level. Is the Minister concerned that in the case of the second one we are not in harmony as Britain has gone ahead with the Convention against Torture? Ireland is out of step in this regard which is in breach of the Good Friday Agreement. Will the Minister indicate when we will sign and ratify both conventions?

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