Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is welcome that the Minister and the Government have emphasised the importance of Ireland's standing on the international stage. I hope he will also bring these principles to bear when he is considering the GRECO report which the Cabinet will consider today in the context of the Government's other proposals.

On the ratification of OPCAT, it is worth pointing out that last year the United Nations Committee against Torture noted that existing bodies such as the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, the prison visiting committees and the Inspector of Prisons do not automatically carry out visits to all places of deprivation of liberty such Garda stations, residential care centres for people with disabilities, nursing homes for the elderly and other care settings. We have seen recently, from a decision of the Court of Appeal, that many people are kept within care institutions. We have to ensure the highest standards apply in respect of their protection and for people held in Garda stations. I ask that urgency be brought to ratifying this so that we can have full respect within the international community.

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