Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The commitment of Ireland to the promotion and protection of human rights is an underlying principle of Ireland's foreign policy and is a priority for the Government. Ireland is currently a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council and we pursue our human rights priorities in many international fora. Ireland is a firm supporter of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights system and will liaise regularly with the UK in relation to the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers' supervision of states' implementation of court judgments. Early in my Ministry, I had the opportunity to meet the Council of Europe Secretary General, Mr. Jagland, and I reaffirmed Ireland's strong commitment in support of the European Convention on Human Rights.

I should note clearly at the outset there is not at this time any legislation before the British Parliament at Westminster to repeal the 1998 UK Human Rights Act. Indeed, the new British Government has not yet published its programme for government for this parliamentary term, although it is expected to do so later this month. In the absence of any detailed proposal, it is difficult to speculate on potential consequences. Obviously, were any proposal to be made it would have to be carefully analysed.

On the broad question of human rights and the Good Friday Agreement, the views of the Government are clear and unchanged. The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland law, predicated on the European Convention on Human Rights, is one of the key principles underpinning the Good Friday Agreement. As a guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government takes very seriously its responsibility to safeguard its principles and institutions. The fundamental role of human rights in guaranteeing peace and stability in Northern Ireland cannot be taken for granted and must at all times be fully respected. The Agreement is clear that there is an obligation to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law and this is an ongoing obligation.

We will follow developments closely. I plan to raise this matter this evening when I meet the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers.

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