Seanad debates

Wednesday, 18 June 2003

European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001: Second Stage.

 

The Bar Council and the Law Society have written about this and a submission made by the interim human rights commission, under the chairmanship of Judge Barrington, was most concerned about the lack of remedies. While I welcome this legislation, I have already tabled amendments to it because there are not enough remedies. One example is the right to education. The convention provides that no person "shall be denied the right to education". There have already been a number of cases in this regard before the courts which have found against the State. The article states: "In the exercise of any functions which it assumes in relation to education and to teaching, the State shall respect the right of parents to ensure such education and teaching in conformity with their own religious and philosophical convictions". These issues are extremely important.

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