Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Earlier this week I inquired with regard to ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. I am grateful to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for his reply to the effect that on the passing of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, the convention will be signed. I also inquired as to whether Ireland proposed to sign the optional protocol to the UN Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights but I did not receive a reply. Does Ireland, as is reported, propose not to sign the optional protocol? Will the Government's reasoning behind this decision be placed in the Oireachtas Library in order that Members might inform themselves with regard to Ireland's reluctance to sign the protocol, which has been signed by other progressive countries?

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